"No; they are mine and under my orders always and under all circumstances," he returned; "and I think would not have it other wise if they might."
"Indeed we would not," said Grace, who, as usual, was near her father and sister. "May I help, papa?"
"Well, Gracie, I think you are not really needed, and would enjoy yourself better out yonder on the porches or on the grass with your little brother and sister and the others, telling them stories, singing them little songs or playing games with them."
"Yes; do try that, Gracie, and I shall be much obliged," Violet said, joining them at the moment. "I have just left them with the promise to ask it of you."
Grace acquiesced, went back at once, and for the next half hour devoted herself to the amusement of the children, to their great satisfaction and enjoyment.
"And you, Madam Raymond, would do well to go back to the society of your older friends and exercise your many gifts for their entertainment," remarked the captain, speaking in playful tones to his young wife, as Grace disappeared.
"No, my dear, I prefer to exercise them for yours, if you will permit it," she returned.
"Ah, you fear to trust me to do the work without the supervision of my capable young wife?" he returned laughingly.
"Possibly it may be done a trifle better, or, at least, more to my mind, with that," she retorted, with becoming gravity. "At all events, I shall know better where to look for what I want, so that, in the end, I shall save myself trouble."