"Good-morning," they said, coming up the steps, the captain adding in jesting tones, "Ah, Max, my son, you seem to be making an early return to the business begun yesterday."
"And something more, captain," Eva said, displaying his gift. "Is it not lovely?"
"Oh, beautiful!" exclaimed Lucilla.
"As handsome a diamond as ever I saw," remarked the captain, examining it critically; "but none too handsome or expensive for a gift to my new daughter that is to be," he added with a smile, and imprinting a kiss upon the small white hand which wore the ring. "Shall we join the others in the parlor now? and will you let Max tell them of his good fortune? You will neither of you, surely, wish to keep it a secret from friends so near and dear."
"I do not," said Max; "but it shall be just as you decide, Eva dear," he added in low and tender tones, drawing her hand within his arm as he spoke.
"I think your—our father's opinions are always right, Max," she said with a smile and a blush.
"Will you go in first, father? you and Lu—and we will follow," said Max, and the captain at once, taking Lucilla's hand in his, led the way.
"Good-morning to you all, friends and relatives," was his cheerful-toned and smiling address as he entered the room, "I hope you are all well and in good spirits."
Then, stepping aside, he allowed Max to pass him with the blushing
Evelyn on his arm.
He led her up to Mrs. Travilla, saying, "Good-morning, Grandma Elsie. I want to introduce to you my future wife. For this dear girl has, to my great joy, promised to become that one of these days."