All was presently bustle and activity in both houses.  Zoe and Edward, with no painful parting in prospect, made themselves very merry over their packing.  They were much like two children, and except when overcome by the recollection of her recent bereavement, Zoe was as playful and frolicsome as a kitten.

“Can I help, Mamma Vi?” asked Lulu, following Violet into her dressing-room.

Vi considered a moment.  “You are a dear child to want to help,” she said, smiling kindly upon the little girl.  “I don’t think you can pack your trunk, but you can be of use here by handing me things out of the bureau drawers and wardrobe.  There are so many trunks to pack that I cannot think of leaving Agnes to do it all.”

“My dear,” said the captain, coming in at that moment, “you are not to do anything but sit in that easy-chair and give directions.  I flatter myself that I am quite an expert in this line.”

“Can you fold ladies’ dresses so that they will carry without rumpling?” asked Violet, looking up at him with a saucy smile.

“Perhaps not.  I can’t say I ever tried that.  Agnes may do that part of the work, and I will attend to the rest.”

“And may I hand you the things, papa?” asked Lulu.

“Yes, daughter,” he said, “I like to see you trying to be useful.”

They set to work, Violet looking on with interest.  “Why, you are an excellent packer, Levis,” she remarked presently, “far better than I or Agnes either.”

“Thank you,” he said, “I am very glad to be able to save you the exertion.”

“And you do it so rapidly,” she said.  “It would have taken me twice as long.”

“That is partly because I am much stronger, and partly the result of a good deal of practice.  And Lulu is quite a help,” he added, with an affectionate look at her.

She flushed with pleasure.  “Are you going to pack the other trunks, papa?  Max’s and Grade’s and mine?  And may I help you with them?” she asked.

“Yes, is my answer to both questions,” he returned.

“Where are Max and Gracie?” asked Violet.

“I told Max to take his little sister to the beach, and take care of and amuse her,” the captain said in answer to the question.

“Don’t you want to be out at play, too, Lulu?” asked Violet.  “I can help your papa.”

“No, ma’am, thank you,” the child answered in a quick, emphatic way.  “I’d a great deal rather be with papa to-day than playing.”

He gave her a pleased look and smile, and Violet said, “That is nice, Lulu; I am very glad his children love him so.”

“Indeed we do, Mamma Vi! every one of us!” exclaimed Lulu.  “Papa knows we do.  Don’t you, papa?”

“Yes, I am quite sure of it,” he said.  “And that my wife is fond of me also,” with a smiling glance at her, “and altogether it makes me a very happy man.”

“As you deserve to be,” said Violet, gayly.  “Please, sir, will you allow me to fold my dresses?”