"A wise and kind decision, Lu," remarked Herbert Travilla, overhearing
what she said. "A rest now may save you from a serious break-down some
days or weeks hence."

"Yes, Uncle Herbert, I am well aware that such a father as mine is a very
great blessing," she returned with a smile. "I only wish I were as good a
daughter."

Just at that moment the guns announced the setting of the sun, and the
flags on the _Dolphin_ and other vessels came down with the usual
ceremonies. That over, those who intended going ashore for the evening or
the night began their preparations, which were such as to occupy but a few
minutes. Violet put her little ones to bed, and the captain, who had
carried sleepy little Ned down to the state-room, on coming out into the
saloon found Lucilla there waiting to speak to him.

"Papa," she said humbly, "have you quite forgiven my crossness to-night
when you refused to let me go ashore? I am very, very sorry for it, but I
am perfectly satisfied now with your decision; I was, the next minute, and
oh, I do love you dearly, dearly, though I can hardly expect you to
believe it when--when I'm so ready to be rebellious," she added, hiding
her face on his breast, for he had taken her into his arms the moment she
began to speak.

"Yet I do believe it, my own darling," he replied in tender tones,
smoothing her hair caressingly as he spoke. "I fully believe that you love
me devotedly, though for a moment you indulged in the old rebellious
spirit that used to cause so much pain to both you and me. However, this
is almost the first time I have seen any show of it for two or three
years. In all that time you have been as willingly and cheerfully obedient