"What is worrying you?" his wife asked gently, laying her hand upon his arm, and looking intently at him. "Is it anything new?"
"It's the same thing, dear, that has kept me fretting for the last three weeks," he said slowly.
"When the vessel was two weeks overdue I was more anxious than I cared to admit, but now that the third week is nearly gone, I find myself unable to keep my mind upon the paper that I try to read, or for that matter upon anything else."
"If any vessels intended coming in to-night, they would be obliged to get into some harbor where they would be safe until the sea is calm," said Mrs. Seaford, "and that would make them a few days later, so we'll still hope to see the one we're looking for come sailing in with flying colors."
Sprite, listening, while they thought that she was reading, now came around the table, and leaned against the Captain's sturdy shoulder.
"Pa, I wish you wouldn't worry, for some way I'm sure she's coming in all safe, I'll tell you why. Now don't you laugh. I dreamed last night that she came sailing in with flags flying, and oh, her hull and her masts were of shining gold, so let's think that means good luck. Will you, Pa?" she coaxed, winding her little arms around his neck.
She could not bear to see him so worried.
"You're a comfort, little Sprite, and your Ma is another. Don't seem reasonable for a man to fret with two such blessings in his possession, but the truth is I wanted the luck that I believed the vessel would bring, for you two dear ones, far more than I wanted it for myself."
"Then don't say you wanted it, for that does not sound hopeful," Mrs. Seaford said.
"No, say you want it for us, for that sounds as if it were coming," Sprite said, "and I'm sure it will come, only it's delayed."