“Ah, my love, there you are mistaken, for I have learned that the poor animal had been subjected to very bad treatment just before being brought from the stable. I have therefore dismissed Ajax and engaged another man in his place. But set your heart at rest, for your dear sake and my children’s I have consented to sell the horse. Negotiations are being carried on now with a gentleman who desires to own him, and will probably be completed to-day.”
“Oh, I am glad to hear it,” she cried. “Not for twice his money’s worth would I have him given another opportunity to do you an injury.”
“I’m afraid I must acknowledge,” laughed the captain, “that I feel a strong desire to teach him that I am his master; but for your sake, my love, I consent to forego that pleasure.”
“Ah, who should ensure your success in that effort?” she asked with a mischievous look. “You are, I know, a man accustomed to obedience from those under your authority, but possibly you might fail in exacting it from Thunderer.”
“Very true,” he returned, good-humoredly, “but perhaps the doubt makes me all the more eager to prove my ability. Ah, here come the children!” as childish footsteps came pattering down the hall.
“Mamma! Mamma Vi!” exclaimed the little girls, catching sight of her as they crossed the threshold, “how nice to see you down again!” and they ran to her to give and receive loving caresses, for even Lulu had grown fond of their beautiful and lovable young mother. Persevering, unvarying kindness had done its legitimate work.
“Thank you, dears,” Violet said, “you can’t be more pleased to see me here than I am to be here; it has been very hard for me to stay away from your papa while knowing that he was suffering; but a very great comfort to feel so sure that he had loving attention from his children.”
“They have been the best and dearest of nurses,” he said, smiling tenderly upon them.
“Here’s the mail, papa,” cried Max, coming in with the bag, and handing it to his father.
The captain opened it with a key which he took from his pocket, handed Violet her letters and began opening his own.