"True happiness is known by none but those who are at peace with God; but living in the light of his countenance, one may be full of joy even in the midst of great earthly tribulation.
"Ah, my darlings, I can wish nothing better for you than that you may thus live!"
At that moment Violet joined them.
"The babies were unusually wakeful and troublesome to-night," she remarked, "but have at last fallen asleep and so released mamma from attendance upon them."
"To our great content," added her husband, gently putting Lulu off his knee and rising to give his wife a seat, while Max sprang up and gallantly placed a chair for her; selecting the most comfortable and placing it close beside his father's.
She thanked him with one of her sweetest smiles, the captain remarking,
"Max was too quick for me that time."
"Like his father, he is extremely polite and attentive to ladies," said Violet. "How cosy you are here! and you two children have been having a pleasant time, no doubt, with papa all to yourselves."
"We have missed you, my dear," said her husband; "at least I may speak for myself."
"And would have been glad if you could have come to us sooner," added
Max.
"Have you been laying plans for the entertainment of our expected guests who are to keep New Year's day with us?" she asked.