The others pronounced it beautiful.
“Now I’ll help with the wreaths for the rooms.”
“No, no, my dear, you have exerted yourself quite enough for one day,” said her husband. “Just lie back in that easy-chair and give as many directions as you please.”
“Nonsense!” she exclaimed, laughing, “you are as careful of me as if I were made of the finest china or glass.”
“A great deal more so,” he returned, with a look that spoke volumes of loving appreciation, and bending over her to bring his lips close to her ear, “Your price is above rubies, my darling,” he added, in a low aside.
“Dear Ned, you are so good to me!” she responded, lifting to his eyes as full of love as his own.
“The queen of the day! the queen of all our hearts!” announced Rosie, preceding her mother and sisters into the room.
“We are all ready to do her homage,” said the captain, stepping forward and saluting his mother-in-law with much respect and affection.
The others were prompt to follow his example, all crowding about her with expressions of love and admiration.
“You are too good to me, my dear children and grandchildren,” she said, glad tears springing to her eyes. “I am quite sensible that I am by no means the beautiful and admirable person your affectionate appreciation leads you to imagine.”