There was silence for a few moments while Mr. Force said the grace.
Then the confusion of Babel began again. All asked questions, and without waiting for them to be answered, asked others. Wynnette and Elva, who were home for the Easter holidays, seemed to run a race with their tongues as to which could talk fastest and most. Mr. and Mrs. Force had much to ask and to tell. Odalite, and even quaint, little Rosemary, put in a word when they could get a chance.
It is always so when a sailor returns from a long voyage to his family circle.
There was but little breakfast eaten that morning, though they lingered long at the table—so long that, at length, Mrs. Force felt obliged to ask the question:
“Are you going to church with us this morning, Le?”
“Of course I am, auntie. I should be worse than a heathen not to go, if it were only to give thanks for my safe and joyful arrival at home,” replied the young man.
“That is right, my boy. I like to see you hold fast to the faith and practice of your forefathers in this untoward generation,” said Mr. Force.
“Well, then, since you are going with us, Le, dear, you had better get ready. We have but little time,” advised the lady.
“Come with me to my room, Le. My underclothing will fit you well enough, I am sure. Bless you, my boy! you have caught up to me in size,” said Mr. Force, as he arose from the table to conduct the midshipman.
The ladies of the circle also went to their chambers to get ready for church.