“In which I presume he is quite right, mother,” returned the captain.  “And surely there is no difficulty in the way?”

“Nothing insurmountable,” she replied.

“But we want some one to go on in advance and see that everything is in order for mamma’s comfort,” said Violet, giving her husband a look that was half entreating, half one of confident assurance that he would deny nothing to her or her loved mother which it was at all in his power to bestow.

“That, I think, would certainly be the better plan,” he returned pleasantly, “and if no one more competent than myself is to be had and it suits my wife to accompany me, my services may be considered as offered.”

Hearty thanks were at once bestowed upon him by all present.

But he disclaimed all title to them, saying, “I now have everything in order at Woodburn, so that I may feel quite easy in leaving it for even a protracted stay; and to get a view of Viamede will be a new and doubtless very pleasant experience to me, with wife and little ones along; my daughters can go on with their studies under my tuition, there as well as at home, and my intended visit to Max can be paid before starting for the far South.  I only fear,” he added, with a pleasant glance at Mrs. Leland, “that I may be offering to take upon myself a duty which is much to the taste of one of my brothers-in-law and might be better performed by one or both of them.

“No, captain,” replied Mrs. Leland, “you need have no such fear, as neither of them is just now in a position to leave home, unless it were quite necessary for dear mamma’s comfort.”

“Then we will consider it settled that Violet and I are to go,” said the captain, turning to her with his pleasant smile.  “How soon can you be ready, my dear?”

“By the first of next week if my husband wishes to start by that time,” returned Violet gayly.  “Oh, I am quite delighted at the prospect of seeing again that one of our sweet homes, and especially of doing so in company with you, Levis.”

The captain considered a moment.  “I would not like to disappoint Max,” he said.  “I think I must visit him next Saturday—­as I shall not probably be able to see him again before next spring.  But I will make necessary arrangements beforehand and I think we may leave for the South by Wednesday morning of next week, if that will suit you, my dear?”

“Entirely,” she said; “it will give me just about time enough to get everything ready without hurry or confusion.”

So it was settled, everybody seeming well satisfied with the arrangement.

A little more time was spent in discussing plans, then the captain and Violet bade good-by and set out on their return home.

“You are well pleased with the prospect of this visit to Viamede, Violet, my dear?” the captain said, as they drove rapidly along the familiar road.

“Oh, yes, indeed,” she answered brightly; “Viamede is so lovely, a sort of earthly paradise I have always thought, and I am really delighted at the thought of showing it to you.  Ah, I am quite sure, having your dear society there, I shall enjoy it more than ever!”