"Do you really think so, cousin doctor?" was Chester's rejoinder in a troubled voice.
"I do most emphatically," returned Harold. "You may be very thankful, cousin, that this good opportunity offers."
"I am," said Chester. Then turning to the Captain. "Thank you very much, sir, for the invitation, which I accept, if my wife will go with me."
"You needn't doubt that," laughed Lucilla. "There is nothing I like better than a trip on my father's yacht, with him and all my dear ones about me."
"And it's just the same with all the rest of us," said Grace.
"And how is it with Max and Eva?" asked the Captain.
"I know of nothing more enjoyable than that—a trip on the 'Dolphin' taken in the company of one's dear ones," replied Evelyn with a loving look into the eyes of her young husband.
"Just my opinion," he said, with a smile; "the only question with me is, Will Uncle Sam allow me a sufficiently long leave of absence."
"Your leave of absence has nearly expired?" his father said, inquiringly.
"Yes, sir; so nearly that I should hardly feel surprised to receive orders any day."