Some two hours later the Captain was taking his usual evening walk upon the deck, when Lucilla and Evelyn joined him.
"We feel like taking a little stroll, father, and hope you will not object to our company," remarked Evelyn, as they reached his side.
"I could not, with truth, say it was unpleasant to me, daughter," he returned, with a smile, and passing a hand caressingly over her hair, as she stood close at his side. "The fact is, I am very glad of the companionship of you both."
"And we are both thankful to hear you say it, I am sure," returned Lucilla, in a sprightly tone, and with a bright, loving look up into his eyes. "I'd be heart-broken if I thought my father didn't love me enough to care to have me near him."
"And I should be much distressed if I had reason to believe my daughter didn't care to be near me. If Grace were as strong and healthy as you are, it would double the pleasure to have her with us. She has gone to her stateroom, I suppose."
"Yes, papa, and most of the others have retired to their rooms, too. Dr. Harold and Chester are playing a game of chess, and so will hardly miss Eva and me."
"Perhaps not; so we will take our promenade undisturbed by anxiety about them," laughed the Captain, offering an arm to each.
It was a beautiful evening; the moon was shining in a clear sky and making a silvery pathway upon the waters.
"Where do you suppose Max is now, father?" asked Evelyn, with a slight sigh.