“Yonder lies our yacht. She looks lovely in the moonlight. I am so glad that we can go home in her instead of by the public conveyances. It is such a restful mode of travel, and we can all feel so much at our ease.”
“Yes, I highly approve of it, especially for any patient of mine. I hope we are going to have a speedy and pleasant little voyage. But now, dearest, your doctor thinks it would be well for you to go and begin your night’s rest, as a suitable preparation for it.”
“Yes,” she said, rising and taking his arm again, “and it is not hard to say good-night, since we are to be together again in the morning.”
They found the porch deserted except by the captain and Lucilla, who were taking their usual evening promenade.
“Good-night, father,” said Grace in a lively tone as she approached him. “My doctor orders me off to bed, that I may gain strength for to-morrow’s arduous journey.”
“Ah!” he returned, drawing her to him and giving her a fatherly embrace. “I highly approve of that prescription, and hope you may awake in the morning stronger and better in health than ever before.”
“Thank you, father dear; and I hope it won’t be very long before you send Lu to join me,” said Grace, turning a smiling face toward her sister.
“Oh, I dare say I’ll be up there before you get your eyes shut for the night,” laughed Lucilla. “As we don’t any more sleep in adjoining rooms when at home, I value the privilege of being near you at night while here.”
“And it is well for you to be together, so that if one is sick the other can call the doctor,” remarked Harold, regarding the two with a pleased and amused smile.
The next morning found all ready and anxious to start upon their short voyage. The yacht was in excellent condition, their trunks were all packed, the cottage in condition to be left in charge of the usual caretaker; so at a reasonably early hour they were all aboard.