"No, not by any means, and Mr. Lilburn has made a great deal of fun for us," said Evelyn.
"And feels well repaid by the evident enjoyment of the little company," he said, glancing around upon them with a pleasant smile.
"But of course that kind of sport won't do for to-day," said Walter; "and I presume it is too stormy for anybody to go ashore to attend church." With the concluding words he turned toward the captain inquiringly.
"Quite so," was the reply. "We will have to content ourselves with such a service as can be conducted on board."
"Which will probably be quite as good and acceptable as many a one conducted on land," said Mr. Lilburn. "I have greatly enjoyed the few I have been privileged to attend on this vessel in the past."
"And I," said Grandma Elsie; "we are as near the Master here as anywhere else; and when we cannot reach a church, we can rejoice in that thought--in the remembrance that he is just as near us here as anywhere else."
"We will have a sermon, prayers, and hymns this morning, and a Bible class this afternoon, won't we, papa?" asked Grace.
"Yes," he said; "but our guests must feel entirely free to attend our services or not as they feel inclined."
"This one will feel inclined to attend," said Walter.
"This one also," added Evelyn; "she will esteem it a privilege to be allowed to do so."
"As I do," said Lucilla. "Father always makes a Bible lesson, and any kind of religious services, interesting and profitable."
"I always enjoy them," said Violet, "and I know Grace and the little folks do. Is not that so, Elsie and Ned?" Both gave a prompt assent, and Grace said: "There is no kind of service I like better. So I do not feel tempted to fret over the stormy weather."
"Ah," said the captain with a smile, "I am well content with the views and feelings expressed by my prospective audience. We will hold our services in the saloon, beginning at eleven o'clock."
Accordingly, all--including the crew--gathered there at the appointed hour, listened attentively to the reading of an excellent sermon, and united in prayer and praise.
In the afternoon they gathered there again, each with a Bible in hand, and spent an hour in the study of the Scriptures.
As in the morning service, the captain was their leader.