human
Your call is an agreeable surprise, mother, he said to Grandma Elsie, as he drew forward an easy chair for her;
gpt
Harold had just been telling us that you were almost ill with a cold.
human
I have a rather bad one, but thought a drive through the bracing air, and in such pleasant company, might prove beneficial rather than otherwise, she answered in cheery tones, adding
gpt
And I knew Harold was here and could take me home in his conveyance.
human
Certainly, mother, and will be very glad of your good company, said Harold, while at the same time Violet exclaimed,
gpt
But why go at all to-night, mother? Why not stay here with us?
human
Thank you, daughter, was the smiling reply;
gpt
And not being well, she would better have her doctor close at hand, remarked Harold, in playful tone.
human
Mother, we have been contriving a plan to help you and Chester to get the better of your colds.
gpt
Ah, what is that? she asked, and Harold, turning to the Captain, said,
human
Let mother hear it from you, Brother Levis, if you please.
gpt
We are thinking of taking a southward trip in the 'Dolphin,' mother--visiting the Bermudas, Bahamas and other of the West Indies and the coast of Brazil.
human
Why, that would be a lovely trip! she exclaimed.
gpt
Many thanks to you, Captain, for including me among your invited guests.
human
Many thanks to you, mother, if you consent to make one of our party,
gpt
When was the start to be made? Who besides Grandma Elsie and the Captain were to compose the party?
human
All who are here now are invited and expected to go; some others of our friends also, replied the Captain,
gpt
Thanks, warm thanks, said Chester.
human
I should be delighted to go, but fear business will prevent.
gpt
As your physician, Ches, I strongly advise you not to let it, said Harold.
human
A good rest now in a warm climate may restore you to vigorous health, while if you stay at home and stick to business you are likely to either cut your life short or make yourself a confirmed invalid for the rest of it.
gpt
Do you really think so, cousin doctor?
human
I do most emphatically, returned Harold.
gpt
You may be very thankful, cousin, that this good opportunity offers.
human
I am, said Chester. Then turning to the Captain.
gpt
Thank you very much, sir, for the invitation, which I accept, if my wife will go with me.
human
You needn't doubt that, laughed Lucilla.
gpt
There is nothing I like better than a trip on my father's yacht, with him and all my dear ones about me.
human
And it's just the same with all the rest of us,
gpt
And how is it with Max and Eva?
human
I know of nothing more enjoyable than that--a trip on the 'Dolphin' taken in the company of one's dear ones,
gpt
Just my opinion, he said, with a smile;
human
Your leave of absence has nearly expired?
gpt
Yes, sir; so nearly that I should hardly feel surprised to receive orders any day.
human
Well, I hope, instead, you may get another leave, allowing you time to make one of our party.
gpt
It would be a very great pleasure to me, sir, said Max.
human
But I have had so long a one already that I can hardly hope for another very soon.
gpt
Oh, Max! exclaimed Grace,
human
Yes, Max, do, said Lucilla.
gpt
I can hardly bear the thought of going without you.
human
Yes, Max, do; it will double our enjoyment to have you and Eva along.
gpt
Yes, Brother Max, do get leave to go along; we'll want you to make fun for us with your ventriloquism.
human
Is that all you want me for, Neddie boy? laughed Max.
gpt
If so, Cousin Ronald will answer your purpose quite as well, if not better.
human
But two can make more fun than one; and I want you besides, because I am really fond of you--the only brother I've got.
gpt
Ah, that sounds better, said Max;
human
Then please do ask him to give it.
gpt
Yes, do, Max, said Grace;
human
I really think he might give it, considering what good service you did at Manila.
gpt
It was not very much that I accomplished personally, returned Max modestly,
human
I wish you might be able to go with us, Max, my son, said the Captain,
gpt
So I think, sir; and as for the ventriloquism, my little brother is so hungry for, Cousin Ronald can supply it should you take him as one of your passengers.
human
And that we will, if he and his wife can be persuaded to go,
gpt
Oh, good, papa! cried Ned, clapping his hands in glee,
human
And, after all, the ventriloquism was really all you wanted me for, eh?
gpt
Oh, no! no! Brother Max, cried Ned, with a look of distress.
human
I didn't mean that! you know you're the only brother I have and I'm really fond of you.
gpt
As I am of you, little brother, and have been ever since you were born,
human
Oh, Max, I wish you hadn't gone into the navy,
gpt
I don't, he returned, cheerfully,
human
That is bad, as I know by experience, said their father,
gpt
Yes, sir; and a great joy it is, responded Max.
human
How soon, father, do you think of starting on your southward trip?
gpt
Just as soon as all necessary arrangements can be made, which, I suppose, will not be more than a week from this, at farthest. I can have the yacht made ready in less time than that, and for the sake of our invalids it would be well to go as promptly as possible.
human
Couldn't you make use of the telephone now, to give your invitations, my dear?
gpt
Why, yes; that is a wise suggestion. I will do so at once,