“I think the ocean breeze will make it that, mother,” he answered, returning her smile with one as full of affection as her own.
“I do believe we are going to have a delightful time,” exclaimed Lucilla in joyous tones; “everything will be so new and fresh—lovely scenery, beautiful plants and flowers, and the climate all that one could desire.”
“Well, I hope you will not be disappointed, daughter,” the captain said; “but California is not heaven and you must expect some unpleasantnesses.”
“I hope there won’t be sicknesses,” said Grace.
“No,” said Evelyn sportively, “we must all try to keep well that our good doctor may not be robbed of his vacation.”
“Thanks, Mrs. Raymond,” said Harold, with a bow and smile, “I sincerely hope you will all keep well for your own sakes more than mine.”
“You may be sure we will all do our best in that line, Harold, and even more for our own sakes than for yours,” laughed his sister, Violet.
“I hope so,” he returned. “Having persuaded you all to take the trip I am extremely desirous that it may prove beneficial.”
They had been talking during a pause in the movement of the train, and now, as it started on again, they relapsed into silence.