"They call Captain Evans 'Fighting Bob,' don't they, uncle?" asked Ned.
"Yes; but it is said that he does not like it, and insists that he is no more of a fighter than very many of his brother officers. But it is really used as an honor to one whom his countrymen admire. But probably he will do no more fighting, as, by his own request, he has been detached from the command of theIowa, and made a member of the Board of Inspection and Survey—a change he was entitled to, having already served more than his term of sea duty."
"Oh, uncle!" said Elsie, in a tone of entreaty, "can't you tell us something more about Captain Philip? I do like him so, because of his being such a good Christian man."
"He is that," said Dr. Travilla emphatically, "and one of the bravest and most modest of men. When asked for his photograph he replied that he had never had one taken; and on being urgently invited to be present at a reception to Lieutenant Hobson, given in New York, he shook his head, saying the trial wouldbe too much for him. But I dare say his real reason was a fear that his presence might deprive the young officer of some of the attention and honor due to him."
"Have you ever seen him, uncle?" asked Elsie.
"Yes, once, for a few minutes, and I have heard him described as mild-mannered, full of fun, with gray mustache, a kindly face, and mild blue eyes, and it is said that he is fond of his men as they are of him. He said to some one, 'I have a stout ship and a crew of Americans. So had the other captains. That was why we won.' He fairly earned his promotion, first to the rank of commodore, then to that of admiral.
"Now you two have taken in a good deal of information; don't you think it might be well for you to take some exercise in running about the deck?" concluded Uncle Harold, in a kindly tone, to which Elsie and Ned responded with a cheerful, "Yes, sir! Thank you for the stories," then ran away to carry out his suggestions, Grace calling after them to bevery careful not to go into any dangerous place.
"We won't," Ned called back. "We want to live to go to that double wedding."
"Yes, Ned," said Elsie, in a much lower tone, "and we want to buy some handsome presents for the brides. I spoke to mamma about that, and she said she and papa and grandma would give us our turn at the business of shopping; maybe day after to-morrow, for they expect to come back to theDolphinto-morrow evening, and if the weather is suitable we can go into the city directly after breakfast the next morning."
"Oh, good!" cried Ned. "Won't it be fun? I hope papa has plenty of money for us to spend, so that we can get something very handsome—jewelry, perhaps. That will be the most suitable and acceptable, I suppose."
"Probably," returned Elsie. "Grandma, papa, and mamma will be the ones to decide."
"Of course," said her brother; "but they'll let us have some say about it too."
Max and Chester were at the same momentstanding together at some little distance in a friendly discussion of a similar topic—what gifts they should procure for their brides.
"Jewelry of some sort would, I suppose, be considered the most appropriate," remarked Chester half inquiringly.
"That is my idea," returned Max. "I believe the majority of ladies can hardly have too much of it—though I have never noticed Eva cared very much about it. I think, however, that Lu does; I know that some years ago she had a strong desire for more than father deemed best for her."
"Tastes differ," sagely remarked Chester, "and I wish to give her whatever she would prefer."
"Certainly," said Max; "that is right and kind, and just my feeling in regard to the gift to Eva."
"Well," said Chester, "fortunately we do not need to decide the question until we see what the jewellers and other merchants have to offer."
"Shall we go together to make our selections?" asked Max.
"I should like to do so, if it suits you; and to have your father along—Cousins Elsie and Violet also, if they feel inclined to go."
"Yes, indeed!" said Max; "for they both have excellent taste and judgment. I don't know any one whose opinion on the subject I should consider more valuable."
"Nor do I," responded Chester. "We are very fortunate in our lady friends, and I may well add in gentlemen also, Max—your father in especial."
"Thank you," returned Max, with a smile of gratification; "I think there is not a more perfect man and gentleman anywhere to be found; but that may be because I am his son."
"Oh, no! not altogether, at any rate," said Chester; "for you are by no means alone in your favorable opinion."
"No, I flatter myself that I am not. Ah! do you see how earnestly Harold and Grace are talking together? I shouldn't wonder if theyare upon the very same subject we have just been discussing."
"Quite likely. It seems to be the most important subject for older and younger of our party at present."
"Yes. By the way, Chester, we are hurrying matters so that we can hardly hope or expect to have very many of our Southern relatives and friends to witness the ceremony."
"No, I suppose we can't. But we might invite them to visit us in our own house as soon after we get there as they please," laughed Chester.
"True enough!" exclaimed Max, looking highly pleased at the thought, "and how delightful it would be to entertain them there."
"So I think, and you don't know how I have wanted a home for that, as well as for my own private enjoyment."
"I have had some very severe attacks of homesickness since I left my father's house for the Naval Academy, so that I think I can understand your feelings," Max said, with a smile. "And I expect to be somewhat enviousof you and Lu some months hence, when I have to leave wife and home to go—perhaps to the other side of the world."
"Yes, Max, when I think of that I am sorry for you, and for ourselves that we must be so often deprived of your pleasant society."
They were steaming along within sight of the shore, and just at that moment the children came running to ask Max some question about what could be seen there. He listened and replied very kindly, Chester now and then taking part in the talk.
The day and evening passed pleasantly to all on board; the children retired at their accustomed early hour, Grace helping Elsie in preparing for her couch, lest the dear little sister should miss Mamma too sorely, and wet her pillow with tears. Ned considered himself almost a man now, and quite fit to do without any attention in that line. "I do miss Mamma," Elsie said, as she laid herself down in the berth, "but it is very nice to share this stateroom with you for once, Gracie dear."
"And I am very glad to have you do so,"replied Grace; "for I shall not miss Lu half so much with you in her place."
"It's nice and kind in you to say that," returned Elsie, with a loving look and smile. "But don't feel as if you must come to bed as early as I do, but go back and enjoy Brother Max, Uncle Harold, and Chester a little longer, for I am sure they want you."
"Well, then I'll kiss you good-night, you darling little sister, and go back to them for perhaps another hour," Grace said, accompanying her words with a tender caress.
She found the gentlemen still on deck, where she had left them, and they gave her no reason to doubt that her society was welcome to them.
An hour was spent in cheerful chat, and some singing of appropriate songs and hymns, then they bade good-night, and all retired to their staterooms, Max having first attended to all his duties as captain of the vessel.
The night passed quietly, and the next morning all woke rested and refreshed, ready to enjoy their breakfast, and after that the walksand talks upon deck, varied by resting in steamer chairs while chatting and gazing out upon the water and the land, out of sight of which they seldom were. The weather was all that could be desired, and they rejoiced in that fact for both themselves and their friends, the shoppers.
The latter came on board soon after the yacht had come to anchor again in New York harbor. Their bright, cheerful faces told at once of success with what had been undertaken and of satisfaction with their purchases, and their tongues speedily repeated the pleasant story of beautiful silks, satins, laces and other trimmings, for in the family circle they did not care to make a secret of their needful, or desirable, preparations for the approaching ceremony.
All passed the night on the vessel, Violet remarking that one night at the best of hotels was quite enough for her; she felt so much more at home on their own delightful yacht. But shortly after breakfast the children were taken into the city to select theirbridal gifts, their father and mother going along with them. Grace, in compliance with a suggestion from her father, was quite willing to entrust the selection of her gifts to him and Mamma, shopping being always wearisome work for her.
Grandma Elsie, Evelyn, and Lucilla remained on the vessel, with Grace, to take a good rest, while the young men went in search of their gifts for the brides that were to be.
"How many dresses did you have fitted?" asked Grace.
"Two apiece," replied her sister; "our wedding gowns and one other for each of us. The others were expressed home at once, to be made up by our own dressmakers, who, as you know, have our measures, so that they may be ready to wear by the time we return, or very soon after."
"A very good plan, I think," said Grace. "Eva, have you heard from your uncle and aunt in reply to your note the other day?"
"Yes," Evelyn replied, with a smile, "andI am happy to say that they highly approve of our plans and purposes—not bidding me beware of the truth of the old saying, 'Marry in haste and repent at leisure,' but promising to have everything in readiness for us and our ceremony. Isn't it good of them?"
"Very nice and kind, I think," said Grace. "How favorably everything seems to go with you! I am very glad for you both."
"Thank you," said Eva. "We might make a triple wedding of it if your father would only consent."
"Oh, no! I don't wish it. Father is right, I know; he always is; and I don't want to leave him yet for anybody."
"And you are entirely right in that, my dear," said Grandma Elsie. "I can see that, although I should dearly love to gain possession of my new little daughter at once."
"It is very nice and kind in you, Grandma Elsie, to be so ready to claim me for your own," Grace returned, happy tears shining in her eyes.
"Ah, I fear your father might see that in adifferent light," returned Grandma Elsie, with one of her sweet smiles. "I think he would prefer to keep you all his own, and I cannot blame him. Now, girls," turning to the others, "suppose we make out a list of the relatives and friends who should be invited to your wedding, so that that matter can be promptly attended to."
The girls gave a ready assent and the list was presently prepared.
"Now I have been thinking," Eva said, as they finished, "that as October is so delightful a month, even up here on the Hudson, we might as well take a little more time for our preparations, spending it at Crag Cottage; and that would make it possible for our friends to attend the ceremony, should they choose to come. You could spare that much more time from your home, couldn't you, Grandma Elsie?"
"Easily; and I think it a very good idea. If anything like the entire number of our friends should come, you would not have sleeping accommodations for nearly all of them, and thehotels in the neighborhood are, I think, closed, or will be by that time; but a noon wedding would enable guests to come in the morning and leave before night."
"Oh, that's a capital idea, Grandma Elsie!" exclaimed Lucilla. "Don't you think so, Eva?"
"I do, and think every one else will," returned Evelyn joyously. "Then our wedding gifts can be shown at the cottage, packed, and sent home afterward in time to get there before we do—as we are to take a trip to Niagara Falls before going home."
When the shoppers returned and were told of this plan, they one and all highly approved; so it was decided upon, and the necessary preparations were promptly made.
The children were in high spirits, delighted with the purchases they had made; the older people seemed equally satisfied with theirs, though their report was given in quieter fashion. Some of the smaller gifts the purchasers brought with them, but the others were to be sent first to Crag Cottage, and afterthe wedding from there to the brides' homes. After some little discussion of the plan, an immediate return to Crag Cottage was decided upon, and presently the yacht was steaming up the river.
Itwas a pleasant, happy party that gathered round the breakfast table at Crag Cottage the next morning, and a bountiful and excellent meal which they found spread before them.
Mrs. Elsie Leland—acting mistress of the house for the present—was highly pleased with the new arrangements planned for the double wedding.
"The extension of the time allotted for the preparations would make it much easier to carry them out," she said, "while invited guests would have more time for the carrying out of theirs; though I doubt if many of them would think it paid to take so long and expensive a journey even to see that interesting sight—a double wedding."
"I dare say not," said her husband. "Chester,do you expect your brother and sisters to be here?"
"Hardly; the time being so short and the journey so long. And Frank, I hear, has found a ladylove down there—which will be likely to keep him away. Each of my sisters, as you probably know, has a young child,—Maud, indeed, has two, Sidney one,—and they would probably want neither to bring them along nor leave them behind."
"No, I suppose they will hardly want to journey so far for a short visit, and will think it too late in the season for a long one," remarked Grandma Elsie.
"Yes; I fear that will keep Uncle Horace and Aunt Rose from joining us, though they are no farther away than Philadelphia," said Chester.
"And, as Grandpa sometimes says, they are now not so young as they once were," said Mrs. Leland. "We would be delighted to have them with us, but can scarcely hope for it."
"No," said Violet, "and most of our relatives and friends, having had their summeroutings, returned home, and settled down again, can hardly be expected to start out on so long a journey for so short a bit of entertainment."
"Especially as there are a number of somebodies getting married every day," laughed Lucilla.
"Yes," said Harold, with a smile, "it is a very common occurrence."
The two weeks passed quickly and happily away, the older ones attending to necessary preparations, the younger filling up much of the time with pleasant little excursions up and down the river in the yacht, or walks, rides, and drives on land.
The wedding presents began to come in. The captain's principal gift they knew was their joint home on his estate, Woodburn, but there were a number of minor ones—in the way of silver for their tables, Sèvres china, and napery, cut-glass and bric-a-brac. The gifts of Elsie and Ned consisted of similar articles. Gracie's gift, chosen by her father and "Mamma Vi," was a gold bracelet for each,ornamented with precious stones. Each lover had visited Tiffany's and bought for his bride a very handsome ornament called a sunburst—a star of diamonds to be worn as locket or brooch. They were presented on the morning of the wedding, and the girls were delighted with them, as they were with Harold's gift—a very beautiful opal ring to each.
It was nearing ten o'clock the night before the wedding, and Captain Raymond was taking his usual stroll back and forth upon the porch before retiring, when Lucilla came to him for the usual bit of good-night chat so pleasant to them both. He put his arm about her and held her close to his heart, as he had so often done before. For a moment neither spoke, then she said sobbingly: "Oh, father, my dear father, this is the last time! How can I bear it! oh, how can I bear it! how can I leave you, even for Chester, whom I do love dearly."
"No, dear child," he said in tones tremulous with emotion, "it need not be the last time. We shall be near enough to see and embraceeach other very often while God spares our lives; and we will not love each other less because we are not living all the time under the same roof."
"No, papa, no, indeed! Oh, I could never bear it if it wasn't for knowing that! You have been such a good, kind, wise, and loving father to me. Oh, I wish I had always been the good, obedient biddable child I ought to have been."
"Yes, daughter dear, I know it; I know you do; while I often wish I had been more patient and gentle—less stern with you. But let us forgive and forget, and each try in the future to be all to the other that could be desired. My own dear, dear child! 'The Lord bless thee: the Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.'"
"Thank you, my dear, dear father," she said. "That is such a sweet blessing, and I do so love to hear it from your lips. Oh, I can never be thankful enough that I have a Christian father!"
"Nor I for the good hope that my dear eldest daughter is a true servant, with me, of the same blessed Master. Now let us say good-night, for it is time you were preparing for your rest."
Most of the invited guests except a few who would arrive in the morning had come, but, by sending the young gentlemen and lads to sleep in the yacht, room had been made for all.
The ceremony took place the next day at high noon—the brides, the gifts, the house bedecked with flowers, all looking very lovely. A grand wedding breakfast followed, then bridal dresses were exchanged for travelling suits, handsome and becoming, and the newly married couples, accompanied by Grace and Harold, went aboard theDolphin, which carried them to the city, where they would take the cars for Niagara. Harold and Grace saw them on the train, waved them good-bye as it started, then returned on the yacht to Crag Cottage.
A few days later theDolphinwas again speeding southward, carrying her owner andhis family—including Mrs. Travilla and her son Harold, also the Lelands, to their homes. They had a delightful voyage, and arrived at their destination in fine health and spirits. But that was not the last trip made by the yacht for that season; within a fortnight she was again steaming up the Hudson, and in the harbor of the city where the bridal party had left her they found her lying at anchor one day, when the train bearing them on their return from the west came rushing into the station.
"Oh, it really seems something like getting home!" Lucilla exclaimed as she stepped upon the deck. "But father did not come!" she added, with a slight sigh of disappointment, glancing about in the vain hope of catching sight of the manly form and face she loved so well.
"No, Mrs. Dinsmore, but you'll be sure to get sight of the captain when you reach the other end of the voyage," said Mr. Bailey, temporary skipper, coming forward with a bow and smile.
"And the voyage will be but a short one if the weather continues good," remarked Max, offering a hand to Bailey in cordial greeting, then introducing his bride.
"Yes," said Bailey, taking in his the hand she offered, and looking at her with admiring eyes, "I used to know her pretty well as Miss Leland. I wish you both a great deal of happiness and prosperity. And you and your bride the same, Mr. Dinsmore," shaking hands with Chester in his turn. "I think, ladies and gentlemen, you will find everything shipshape in the saloon and staterooms; the captain was very particular about all that."
"Yes," said Evelyn, "and now that we are here on the dear old yacht I feel that the discomforts of travel by rail are happily gotten rid of; everything is so clean, quiet, and homelike here."
"I think it is delightful," said Lucilla; "only I am disappointed that father did not come."
"No doubt it was having too many other things to attend to that prevented him," saidMax. "And doubtless he will meet us at the wharf when we land."
The weather was all that could be desired, the yacht in fine condition, and in due time they anchored in the harbor of their own city, and presently landed, to find a number of the dear ones waiting for them. Captain Raymond was there with his entire family, and Lucilla had scarcely stepped ashore ere she found herself in his arms, his kiss of fatherly love upon her lips.
"How glad I am to have you here again, my darling," he said in tender tones. "I hope you have enjoyed your trip, and come back to me feeling well and strong?"
"Oh, yes, father dear, yes indeed! and so, so glad to be with you again! I could never, never live without my father."
"That is pretty much as I feel about my eldest daughter," he returned with a smile, and repeating his caresses.
Then Eva must take her turn, and the son and son-in-law each received a cordial grasp and shake of the hand. Then joyous greetingswere exchanged with the Lelands, Violet, Elsie, and Ned. The Woodburn and Fairview carriages were there, and nearby stood another—a two-seated, very handsome vehicle, with a pair of fine, spirited-looking grays attached. Greetings over, the captain led the way to the equipage, and turning with a kind, fatherly smile toward the bridal party, "Here, my children," he said, "is a gift from your father to be held and used—enjoyed, too, I trust—by the four of you in common."
"Father, I'm afraid you are doing too much for us!" exclaimed Max, with emotion.
"A grand good gift, sir, for which I heartily thank you," said Chester warmly.
"Dear father, don't ruin yourself by heaping so many, many gifts upon us," cried Lucilla, turning, and putting her hand in his, while Evelyn said, with starting tears "that it was really too much."
"No, I am perfectly able to afford it, my dears, and shall be very glad if it adds to your enjoyment of your new home," said the generous giver. "Get in now, drive over to yournew home, and see if everything about house and grounds has been arranged to suit your taste."
They obeyed, and found the carriage, as they afterward said, the easiest, most comfortable one they had ever ridden in, and the horses the finest of thoroughbreds.
"These are grand fellows, Max; I'll warrant your father has spent no trifle on their purchase," remarked Chester as they sped onward with easy, graceful motion.
"Just what I think," said Max. "No more generous man than he ever lived."
"I only hope he won't ruin himself by heaping expensive gifts and favors upon us," said Evelyn.
"I hope not, indeed!" sighed Lucilla, with a slight tremble in her tones.
"Don't be anxious and troubled about it, sister mine," said Max very kindly. "I happen to know that father has abundant means. And being so generous of nature it is a delight to him to give—especially to his wife and children."
"What a dear, good father he is! It is just a delight to me that I may call him that now," said Evelyn.
Their carriage reached its destination some minutes ahead of the captain's, and they immediately alighted and gazed about them with wondering and delighted eyes—so many improvements had been made since last they saw the place, trees and flowers, lovely and fragrant, having been transplanted from other places to adorn this. They wandered here and there, expressing in looks and joyous exclamations admiration, gratitude, and delight.
They had hardly made acquaintance with all the beauties of the place when the other carriage drove up and the rest of the family joined them. Then, as the captain afterward said, they well-nigh overwhelmed him with the extravagant outpouring of their admiration, gratitude, and delight.
"I am very glad that you are all so well pleased," he said, in return. "My wife and I have greatly enjoyed this labor of love,—theoverseeing and directing of these improvements,—and that they find such favor with you all more than repays us. But, come, let us go inside and see how well you are satisfied with things there."
He led the way as he spoke, and they found themselves in a wide hall with a broad and easy stairway leading to the rooms above, and on either side, on that floor, large, elegantly furnished rooms,—parlors, libraries, dining rooms, a set for each little family,—beautiful lace curtains at the windows, handsome paintings handsomely framed, on the walls, many of them presents from Grandma Elsie and others of the Ion family and Violet's relatives on the neighboring estates, and other gifts and adornments too numerous to mention.
The young folks had decided to call their place Sunnyside, and so lovely was it that the name seemed very appropriate. The upper rooms were found scarcely less attractive in themselves or their furnishings than the lower ones. A grand dinner was in course of preparation in Lucilla's kitchen, and presently all satdown to it, served in her dining-room. After that the whole party went over to Woodburn, no one of them feeling satisfied without a peep at it—the dear old home all loved so well.
THE END.
Obvious printer errors have been corrected. Otherwise, the author's original spelling, punctuation and hyphenation have been left intact.