had expected, the captain had preceded her by a moment or more. She ran to
him to claim the usual morning caress.

"You look bright and well, dear child," he said, holding her close for a
moment, then a little further off to gaze searchingly into the smiling,
happy face.

"As I feel, father," she said, laying her head against his breast. "I went
to sleep last night thinking of all you had been saying to me and feeling
so glad of your dear love and that you want to keep me all your own for
ever so long." Then she added, with an arch look up into his face, "Don't
you think, papa, it will be best for you to have me under eye all the
time wherever we go?"

"I am not afraid to trust you, my darling," he answered with a smile, "but
of course I want you near me that I may take the very best care of you
always and all the time."

"Well, then, I'll get and keep just as close to you as I can," she
answered with a merry look and smile. "But, papa----"

"Well, daughter, what is it?" he asked, as she paused and hesitated, as if
fearful that he might be displeased with what she was about to say.

"I was just thinking,--please don't be vexed with me,--but wasn't Mamma Vi
only nineteen when you married her?"

"Yes," he said, with a slight smile, "but circumstances alter cases, and I
have changed my views somewhat since then."