In spite of the drip and splash of the rain outside the faces that surrounded the breakfast table were bright and cheery.
"There will be no going ashore to-day, I presume," remarked Grandma Elsie, when the blessing had been asked, and the filling of plates and coffee cups had begun.
"I do not despair of it, mother," returned the captain, in cheerful tones. "It does not seem to me like a settled rain. I think it will clear by noon, and that then we can go about the city and its environs in carriages."
"Yes," said Mr. Dinsmore, "though our own are beyond reach at present, it is altogether likely the city, in the persons of some of its inhabitants, supplies vehicles for those willing to pay for their use."
"Where is Walter, mamma?" queried Violet, noticing that the boy's seat was unoccupied.
"I do not know. I fear he has overslept himself," replied her mother.
"No, mother," said the captain; "he was early on deck and begged permission of me to go into the city in quest of our mail. Ah, here he comes," as a blithe boyish voice was heard at the head of the companion-way.
In another moment the lad entered, looking rosy and exultant.
"Mail for us all, not to speak of telegrams," he said, in lively tones, emptying his pockets as he spoke, and handing letters and papers to one and another. "Mamma, your share is a large one, as it ought to be; the telegram, from my brothers, I presume, to announce their safe arrival at home; it is the one at the top of the pile, as you may see," handing her a number of missives.
"Yes; and most satisfactory," she said, with a smile and a sigh of relief, as she opened and read it at a glance. "'Just arrived safely. Hear that all the relatives are well.' Ah, what cause for gratitude to the Giver of all good!" she exclaimed low and feelingly. "There have been so many accidents, yet we and our dear ones have escaped them all."
"It is indeed a cause for gratitude," responded her father. "We will trust in Him and not be afraid; for wherever we go we are under His kind care and protection."
"A most comforting and cheering thought," said the captain.
Grandma Elsie was opening a letter post-marked Newport, R. I.
"Ah, this is from our dear Molly!" she said. "She dates 'Paradise Valley.' Where is that?"