"And this is the inheritance he comes into," he murmured; "healthy—wholesome—cheerful—secure: how much better than hot, stifling luxury!"
Here the minister's meditations were interrupted by the entrance of all the children, joyful and loquacious. Little Moses held up a string of mackerel, with their graceful bodies and elegantly cut fins.
"Just a specimen of the best, Mary," said Captain Pennel. "I thought I'd bring 'em for Miss Emily."
"Miss Emily will be a thousand times obliged to you," said Mr. Sewell, rising up.
As to Mara and Sally, they were reveling in apronfuls of shells and seaweed, which they bustled into the other room to bestow in their spacious baby-house.
And now, after due time for Zephaniah to assume a land toilet, all sat down to the evening meal.
After supper was over, the Captain was besieged by the children. Little Mara mounted first into his lap, and nestled herself quietly under his coat—Moses and Sally stood at each knee.
"Come, now," said Moses, "you said you would tell us about the mermen to-night."
"Yes, and the mermaids," said Sally. "Tell them all you told me the other night in the trundle-bed."
Sally valued herself no little on the score of the Captain's talent as a romancer.