"I own to being completely puzzled," said the captain. "I certainly haven't been swearing."
"No, not exactly; but you said, 'By George,' and 'By Heaven,' and mamma says such words are contrary to the spirit of the command, and that no one who is a thorough gentleman and Christian will ever use them."
"That's a very strict rule," he said, lifting his cap and bowing low to Violet, who was now close at hand.
She did not seem to notice it, or to see him at all.
"Boys," she said with gentle gravity, "let us go home now."
"What for, Vi? I'm not tired of the beach yet," objected Herbert.
"I have something to tell you; something else to propose. Won't you go with me?"
"Yes," and with a hasty "good-bye," to the captain, they joined their sisters, who were already moving slowly toward home.
"What have you to tell us, Vi?" asked Harold.
"That I know grandpa does not approve of that man, and I am quite sure mamma would not wish you to be with him. The sun is getting hot and there are Dick and Molly on the veranda; let's go and talk with them for a while. It's nearly time now for our drive."