"We have had such a nice day."

"Giving pleasure to others," he remarked, patting the rosy cheek resting
against his shoulder; "there is nothing more enjoyable. The little
girls were very glad to get your dollies."

"Yes, sir; I'm so glad I gave them."

The carriage stopped. They were at their own door. In another minute
they had all alighted and the children were following their father and
Violet into the house.

A Newfoundland dog, a magnificent specimen of his race, met them almost
at the threshold.

"Oh!" cried the children, in excited chorus, "where, did he come from?
Whose dog is he?"

"Max's; a Christmas gift from papa," answered the captain.

"Oh!" exclaimed Max, his face sparkling all over with delight, "what a
splendid fellow! Papa, thank you ever so much! You couldn't have given
me a more acceptable present."

"Ah? I'm glad you like him. But come into the library, all of you, for a
moment. It is not quite tea time yet."

The captain led the way as he spoke, everybody else following.

"Howdy do? Where you been?" called out a rather harsh voice, and sending