"Oh!" cried Max, glancing toward the window, "it's snowing fast! Dear, dear, it will spoil the skating for all of us!"
"But a good fall of snow will provide other pleasures, my son," remarked the captain in a cheery tone.
"Yes, sir, so it will," returned Max, echoing the tone.
"And beside plenty of indoor amusements have been provided," said Violet. "I think we can all enjoy ourselves vastly, let the weather outside be what it will."
"I am sure of it," said her husband. "Gracie, how did you enjoy your ride?"
"Oh it was just lovely, papa!" answered the little girl, "the sleigh skimmed along so nicely without a bit of jolting; and then too, it was such fun to watch the skaters."
A tap at the door, and Rosie's voice asking, "How is Lulu? Mamma sent me to inquire."
"Come in, Rosie," said the captain. "Mother is very kind, and I am glad to be able to report to her that Lulu is only very slightly hurt; so slightly that doubtless she will be ready to join her mates in any sport that may be going on this afternoon."
Rosie drew near with a look of commiseration on her face, but exclaimed in surprise, "Why, your hand isn't even bound up!"
"No; I have just a patch of court plaster on each of three finger tips," returned Lulu, laughingly displaying them.