A gentleman on the outskirts of the little crowd proposed cheers.
"Three cheers for Max and his brick!" he shouted, and they gave them with a will.
On the same morning that the little fishing smack brought Max home to Cliffmore, the beautiful steam yacht, Dolphin, sailed into the bay, with its owner, Captain John Atherton, and his beautiful bride standing together on the deck, and returning the salutes of the host of friends who awaited them on the wharf.
Handkerchiefs were waved by the ladies, hats were swung by the men, and foremost in the waiting crowd stood little Rose Atherton, a basket of roses to offer them, and the housekeeper close beside her, lest in her excitement she might actually be swept off the pier.
"Oh, I'm so glad, so glad!" cried Rose. "Dear Uncle John, and dear——" she paused.
What should she call this lovely young woman?
Iris laughed.
"You must learn to call me 'Aunt Iris,'" she said, stooping to kiss the little blushing face.
"I'll love to," Rose said, "and I won't have to learn, same's I won't have to learn to love you, for I love you now, you are so sweet, so lovely."
"Oh, John, was there ever a sweeter welcome? I am so happy."