"And yours," added her husband, with a pleased smile; "for have I not
always consulted with my wife before making any alteration or adding what
I thought would be an improvement? And has not the first suggestion come
from her more than once?"

"Quite true," she returned, giving him a look of loving appreciation; "in
fact, my dear, you are so ready to humor and indulge me in every possible
way that I am half afraid to make a suggestion."

"Lest I should have too much pleasure in carrying it out?" he queried,
with playful look and tone.

"Oh, certainly!" she replied with a musical laugh; "it would be a sad pity
to spoil so good a husband."

"Father, may I ride over the grounds before alighting?" asked Max's voice
in eager tones, just at that moment.

"If you wish, my son," the captain answered pleasantly. "But suppose you
delay a little and let some of us accompany you?"

"Yes, sir; that will be better," was the prompt, cheerful rejoinder, and
in another minute Max had dismounted at the door of the mansion, and stood
ready to assist the occupants of the carriage to alight.

"Ah, I see you have been making some changes and improvements here,
father," he said, glancing about as he entered the hall door.

"Yes, and in other parts of the house," said Violet. "Perhaps you might as
well go over it before visiting the grounds."