"There is a dark cloud in the east," remarked Lucilla, in a regretful tone; "we are likely to have a rainy day, are we not, papa?"
"Yes," he said, "but it need not necessarily be an unpleasant one. We may find plenty of indoor employment and recreations."
"Yes," said Harold, "there have been many pleasant rainy days in my past experiences. And they are not so bad for a strong, healthy man, even if he must go out in the rain."
"And when gardens and fields are needing rain, we long and pray for it," added Lucilla.
"How is Grace this morning?" asked Harold.
"She was still sleeping when I left the room," replied Lucilla; "but probably she is up and ready for the call to breakfast by this time."
"And there it is," said the captain, as the sound of the ringing of a hand-bell came from the house; "so let us go in and not keep the others waiting."
They met Violet and Grace in the hall as they entered, and it was pretty to see the latter's blush and smile as Harold greeted her.
The clouds were increasing and growing darker, and before they left the table the rain had begun to fall. So they talked of indoor occupations and amusements.
"We might have a little fun, if everybody's willing," remarked Ned Raymond, giving Mr. Lilburn a significant look and smile.
"Yes; little boys--big ones too--can generally get up some fun among themselves when they try," was Cousin Ronald's answering remark, without the slightest indication that he took Ned's hint.
"And I know Cousin Ronald is very kind about helping in that," returned Ned insinuatingly.
"Yes, he is fond of giving pleasure to his young friends," remarked Mrs. Lilburn, with a loving smile up into her husband's face. "I think, Ned, he will help you to some before the day is over."
They were on the porch, for there was no wind at the moment to drive the rain in upon them, and it was cooler there than within doors. As Annis finished speaking there was a sudden cry of distress, seemingly coming from the river just below. "Help! help! I shall drown! nobody will help me!"
It was a man's voice and there was a foreign accent in the tones. It made quite a stir in the little assembly on the porch, the lads exclaiming: "Oh, the poor fellow! Can't we help him, Grandma Elsie? Surely the men on the _Dolphin_ will do what they can!" But hardly were the words spoken when another voice called out in reply to the first: