"But I can read a sermon, my pet," the Captain said, "or preach one if I choose; there is no law against it. And we can pray and sing hymns together; and if we put our hearts into it all, our heavenly Father will be as ready to listen to us as to other worshippers in the finest churches on the land."
"That is a very comforting truth," remarked Grandma Elsie; "it is very sweet to reflect that God is as near to us out on the wide and deep sea as to any of his worshippers on the dry land."
"You will hold your service in the morning, I suppose, Captain?" Mr. Keith said inquiringly.
"That is what I had thought of doing, sir," was the reply. "Have you any suggestions to make?"
"Only that we might have a Bible class later in the day."
"Yes, sir; that was a part of my programme,—at least I had thought of teaching my own children, as is customary with me at home; but if the suggestion meets with favour, we will resolve ourselves into a Bible class, each one able to read taking part. What do you all say to the proposition?"
"I highly approve," said Grandma Elsie; "I am sure the day could not be better spent than in the study of God's Holy Word."
"Nor more delightfully," said Violet.
"I think we would all like it, Captain," Evelyn remarked in her quiet way.
"I'm sure I shall," said Lulu; "Papa always makes Bible lessons very interesting."