“Dear child,” he returned, in the same low key in which she had spoken, “I have not the least doubt that you intend to be and do all I could ask or wish.”

There was no time for anything more just then, for, as they were nearing their destination, baggage must be seen to and satchels and parcels gathered up.

Presently the boat rounded to at the wharf and in another minute greetings and embraces were being exchanged with the cousins, who, having been duly informed of the intended arrival, were gathered there to give a cordial and delighted welcome to Violet, her husband, and children.

There were servants also, some few of the old and some new ones, each and all eager for a handshake and a few words of greeting from “Miss Wi’let and the cap’en and dere chillens,” in which they were not disappointed.

In a few moments the baggage had been landed and was being taken to the house, while ladies, gentlemen, and children followed, the newly arrived gazing, delighted, about upon the beauties of the place, the others asking many questions concerning Grandma Elsie and those of her family left behind—­how they were in health, and when they would come to Viamede.

“You will find the house in very tolerable order, I think, Vi,” remarked Mrs. Keith, “though doubtless many little repairs and improvements needed, that Cousin Elsie may find everything in order when she comes.  It was a good idea to get you and the captain to come a little in advance of the older folk and have everything in order for their reception.”

“I think so,” Violet said with a smile, “and that no better person than my honored husband could have been found to undertake that task.”

“No more trustworthy one, I am sure, judging from his looks,” returned Isa.  “I am delighted with his appearance, Vi; he is as noble-looking a man as ever I saw.”

Violet flushed with pleasure.  “And he is all that he appears to be, Isa,” she said; “the better he is known the more highly is he esteemed.”

A bountiful supper had been prepared for the travelers, and the others stayed and partook with them, but soon after leaving the table bade good-night and went to their own homes.

Then Violet took her sleepy little ones upstairs to see them to bed, leaving the captain, Lulu, and Grace on the veranda.

As usual, the two were hanging lovingly about their father, he seeming to enjoy it as much as they.

It was a beautiful moonlight night, warm, and sweet with the breath of flowers; away in the distance, beyond the wide-spreading lawn, they could see the waters of the bayou glittering in the moonbeams, and the soft plash of oars came pleasantly to their ears.

“Oh, isn’t it just lovely, here!” exclaimed Lulu, breaking a momentary silence.  “Papa, did I exaggerate in telling you of the beauties of the place?”

“No, I think not,” he replied; “it is certainly very lovely, and I hope we are going to have a happy winter here.”