"Quite likely. It seems to be the most important subject for older and younger of our party at present."
"Yes. By the way, Chester, we are hurrying matters so that we can hardly hope or expect to have very many of our Southern relatives and friends to witness the ceremony."
"No, I suppose we can't. But we might invite them to visit us in our own house as soon after we get there as they please," laughed Chester.
"True enough!" exclaimed Max, looking highly pleased at the thought, "and how delightful it would be to entertain them there."
"So I think, and you don't know how I have wanted a home for that, as well as for my own private enjoyment."
"I have had some very severe attacks of homesickness since I left my father's house for the Naval Academy, so that I think I can understand your feelings," Max said, with a smile. "And I expect to be somewhat envious of you and Lu some months hence, when I have to leave wife and home to go—perhaps to the other side of the world."
"Yes, Max, when I think of that I am sorry for you, and for ourselves that we must be so often deprived of your pleasant society."
They were steaming along within sight of the shore, and just at that moment the children came running to ask Max some question about what could be seen there. He listened and replied very kindly, Chester now and then taking part in the talk.
The day and evening passed pleasantly to all on board; the children retired at their accustomed early hour, Grace helping Elsie in preparing for her couch, lest the dear little sister should miss Mamma too sorely, and wet her pillow with tears. Ned considered himself almost a man now, and quite fit to do without any attention in that line. "I do miss Mamma," Elsie said, as she laid herself down in the berth, "but it is very nice to share this stateroom with you for once, Gracie dear."
"And I am very glad to have you do so," replied Grace; "for I shall not miss Lu half so much with you in her place."