"And feels well repaid by the evident enjoyment of the little company," he said, glancing around upon them with a pleasant smile.
"But of course that kind of sport won't do for to-day," said Walter; "and I presume it is too stormy for anybody to go ashore to attend church." With the concluding words he turned toward the captain inquiringly.
"Quite so," was the reply. "We will have to content ourselves with such a service as can be conducted on board."
"Which will probably be quite as good and acceptable as many a one conducted on land," said Mr. Lilburn. "I have greatly enjoyed the few I have been privileged to attend on this vessel in the past."
"And I," said Grandma Elsie; "we are as near the Master here as anywhere else; and when we cannot reach a church, we can rejoice in that thought—in the remembrance that he is just as near us here as anywhere else."
"We will have a sermon, prayers, and hymns this morning, and a Bible class this afternoon, won't we, papa?" asked Grace.
"Yes," he said; "but our guests must feel entirely free to attend our services or not as they feel inclined."
"This one will feel inclined to attend," said Walter.
"This one also," added Evelyn; "she will esteem it a privilege to be allowed to do so."
"As I do," said Lucilla. "Father always makes a Bible lesson, and any kind of religious services, interesting and profitable."