"Yes, indeed; all of you from Mamma Vi down," laughed Max, giving the little fellow an affectionate clap on the shoulder as he passed him on his way out to the hall.
"Yes, Ned, each one of you will always be a most welcome visitor," said Chester.
"Indeed you will, you may be very sure of that," added Lucilla and Eva.
"So sure are we of that, that you need not be surprised to see any of us at any time," laughed Violet. "Nor will we be surprised or grieved to see any or all of you at any time."
"No, indeed! I want my daughters—and sons also—all to feel entirely at home always in their father's house," the Captain said, with his genial smile.
"Thank you, father dear, and don't forget that Sunnyside is one of your homes, and we are always ever so glad to open its doors to you," said Lucilla, going to him and holding up her face for a kiss, which he gave with warmth of affection.
"And not Lu's side only, but ours as well," added Evelyn, holding out her hand and looking up lovingly into his face.
He took the hand, drew her closer to him and gave her a caress as affectionate as that he had just bestowed upon Lucilla.
The rest of the good-byes were quickly said, and both young couples were wending their homeward way. They were all in thoughtful mood, and the short walk was taken in almost unbroken silence.
Eva's heart was full at thought of the approaching separation from her young husband. How could she bear it? He seemed almost all the world to her, now that they had been for weeks such close companions, and life without his presence would be lonely and desolate indeed. She passed up the stairway to their bedroom, while he paused in the hall below to remove his overcoat and hat. Her eyes were full of tears, as she disposed of her wraps, then crossed the room to her mirror to see that dress and hair were in perfect order.