"I think you are right," answered the father; "and I confess that the thought of another gaining the first place in her heart—which I know is mine now—is far from pleasant to me. Well, it cannot be for some years yet, and I shall try not to think of it. Perhaps she may never care to leave her father."
"I don't believe she will if she is wise. You are a fortunate man, Raymond! Your son—the image of his father—is not less attractive than his sister, and evidently a remarkably intelligent lad. He will make his mark in the navy; and I dare say we shall have the pleasure of seeing him an admiral by the time we—you and I—are gray-headed, old veterans."
"Perhaps so," returned the Captain, with a pleased smile; "but promotion is slow in the navy in these days of peace."
"Quite true; and as true of the army as of the navy. But even that is to be preferred to war,—eh, Raymond?"
"Most decidedly," was the emphatic reply.
"You leave for home to-morrow evening, I think you said?" was Keith's next remark, made in an inquiring tone.
"That is my plan at present," replied the Captain, "though I would stay a little longer rather than have the children disappointed in their hope of seeing everything about here that has any connection with the Revolution."
"They seem to be ardent young patriots," said Keith. "It does one good to see their pride and delight in the flag. How their eyes shone at the sight of the rally round the colours."
"Yes; and they feel an intense interest in everything that has any connection with the Revolutionary struggle. They get it in the blood; and it has been their father's earnest endeavour to cultivate in them an ardent love of country."