again, will you?" asked Max.

"Yes; if papa will let me. I'd like to go back this afternoon. But I'd
want to keep fast hold of him so that I'd be in no danger of falling,"
she added, looking lovingly into his eyes.

"I'll not let you try it in any other way for some time to come," he
said, stroking her hair; "you must become a good deal more proficient in
the use of skates before I can again trust you to go alone; especially
where there are so many other and more skilful skaters."

"I don't care for that, papa, but will you take me there again this
afternoon?"

"We'll see about it when the time comes," he said smiling at her eager
tone, and not ill-pleased at this proof of a persevering disposition.

"Oh!" cried Max, glancing toward the window, "it's snowing fast! Dear,
dear, it will spoil the skating for all of us!"

"But a good fall of snow will provide other pleasures, my son," remarked
the captain in a cheery tone.

"Yes, sir, so it will," returned Max, echoing the tone.

"And beside plenty of indoor amusements have been provided," said
Violet. "I think we can all enjoy ourselves vastly, let the weather
outside be what it will."

"I am sure of it," said her husband. "Gracie, how did you enjoy your