"Ah! well, they have been added so gradually that I did not realize how
numerous they were," returned his father, adding, "Now you may as well go
on to the upper rooms and tarry long enough in your own to make yourself
neat for the tea table."

"Yes, sir;" and the lad hurried up the stairs, the captain, Lulu, and
Grace following.

"Hurrah!" he cried joyously as he reached the open door of his own room,
"why, this is lovely! prettier than ever, and it was like a room in a
palace before compared to the one I share with Hunt at the Academy."

"Suppose you walk in and take a nearer view," said his father, and Max
obeyed with alacrity, the others following.

"Mamma and papa said there was nothing too good for you, and so we all
thought, Maxie," said Grace, Lulu adding, "Indeed we do all think so."

"Indeed, I'm afraid it is," returned Max, gazing admiringly at the
beautiful carpet, the lace curtains looped back with wreaths of flowers,
the fine engravings on the walls, the easy chairs, tasteful mantel
ornaments, and the many other articles of adornment and convenience.

"Your mamma and I have made some changes, improvements, as we thought,"
the captain said in gratified and affectionate tones, "hoping you would be
pleased with then; and I rather think you are."

"Pleased, papa? I'm delighted!" cried Max. "The only drawback to my
pleasure is the thought of the very short time I can stay to enjoy all