"How glad I am to have you here again, my darling," he said in tender tones. "I hope you have enjoyed your trip, and come back to me feeling well and strong?"
"Oh, yes, father dear, yes indeed! and so, so glad to be with you again! I could never, never live without my father."
"That is pretty much as I feel about my eldest daughter," he returned with a smile, and repeating his caresses.
Then Eva must take her turn, and the son and son-in-law each received a cordial grasp and shake of the hand. Then joyous greetings were exchanged with the Lelands, Violet, Elsie, and Ned. The Woodburn and Fairview carriages were there, and nearby stood another—a two-seated, very handsome vehicle, with a pair of fine, spirited-looking grays attached. Greetings over, the captain led the way to the equipage, and turning with a kind, fatherly smile toward the bridal party, "Here, my children," he said, "is a gift from your father to be held and used—enjoyed, too, I trust—by the four of you in common."
"Father, I'm afraid you are doing too much for us!" exclaimed Max, with emotion.
"A grand good gift, sir, for which I heartily thank you," said Chester warmly.
"Dear father, don't ruin yourself by heaping so many, many gifts upon us," cried Lucilla, turning, and putting her hand in his, while Evelyn said, with starting tears "that it was really too much."
"No, I am perfectly able to afford it, my dears, and shall be very glad if it adds to your enjoyment of your new home," said the generous giver. "Get in now, drive over to your new home, and see if everything about house and grounds has been arranged to suit your taste."
They obeyed, and found the carriage, as they afterward said, the easiest, most comfortable one they had ever ridden in, and the horses the finest of thoroughbreds.
"These are grand fellows, Max; I'll warrant your father has spent no trifle on their purchase," remarked Chester as they sped onward with easy, graceful motion.