“I think she was very brave, papa; but anything was better than the fate she would have had if she had stayed where that wicked, cruel father of hers could have done what he pleased with her. Oh, how glad and thankful I am that God gave me such a good, kind father!”
“And I that you are mine,” he returned with a loving look into her beaming eyes. “It speaks ill indeed for Mormonism that it can so harden the heart against those who should be regarded with the tenderest affection. There! we have filled our basket and now we will go back to the house.”
The breakfast-bell rang just as they stepped into the veranda. Violet was there with the three younger children; morning greetings were exchanged, then all repaired to the breakfast-room.
“I think our weary young guest is still sleeping,” Violet said. “I knocked softly at her door and listened for several minutes, but could hear no sound; so thought it best to let her sleep on and give her her breakfast when she wakes of herself.”
“Quite right, my dear,” returned the captain as he lifted baby Ned to his high chair, then seated himself.
He asked a blessing upon their food and the meal began. They were the usual cheerful little family party, chatting pleasantly among themselves while they ate.
As they rose from the table Violet said: “I think I will go to the telephone and have a little chat with mamma while the servants are eating.”
“And may I go with you?” the captain asked with a smile.
“I shall be happy to have you, sir,” she returned with a laughing look up into his face. “The children are welcome to come, too, if they wish.”
At Ion the family were about leaving the breakfast-table when the telephone bell rang. It was answered by Edward. “Hello! who is there? and what’s wanted?”