"Oh, no! no! Brother Max," cried Ned, with a look of distress. "I didn't mean that! you know you're the only brother I have and I'm really fond of you."
"As I am of you, little brother, and have been ever since you were born," said Max, regarding the little fellow with an affectionate smile.
"Oh, Max, I wish you hadn't gone into the navy," sighed Lucilla.
"I don't," he returned, cheerfully, "though I acknowledge that it is hard parting with home and dear ones."
"That is bad, as I know by experience," said their father, "but then we have the compensating joy of the many reunions."
"Yes, sir; and a great joy it is," responded Max. "How soon, father, do you think of starting on your southward trip?"
"Just as soon as all necessary arrangements can be made, which, I suppose, will not be more than a week from this, at farthest. I can have the yacht made ready in less time than that, and for the sake of our invalids it would be well to go as promptly as possible."
"Couldn't you make use of the telephone now, to give your invitations, my dear?" queried Violet.
"Why, yes; that is a wise suggestion. I will do so at once," he replied, and hastily left the room, promising to return presently with the reply from Beechwood to which he would call first.
The invitation was accepted promptly and with evident pleasure, as the Captain presently reported in the library.