It was a lovely evening, and a pleasant company had gathered upon the deck of the Dolphin, Captain Raymond's yacht, lying in New York harbor; there were Mrs. Travilla, or Grandma Elsie, as some of her loved ones called her, Captain Raymond himself, his wife and children, older and younger, Evelyn Leland, Dr. Harold Travilla, and Chester Dinsmore. They were scattered in groups—the three pairs of lovers in one, and conversing in low, earnest tones, now and then varied by a ripple of laughter.

"I should like it very, very much," said Eva, "but doubt if the captain proves willing."

"Doubtless if he consulted only his own inclination he would not consent," said Max; "but father is anything else but selfish, and loves you so dearly, Eva, that I by no means despair of persuading him to give you your wish in regard to this."

"I have hardly a doubt of that," said Lucilla, "and I am highly in favor of the plan, though I was not at first."

"It suits me exactly," remarked Chester, in a gleeful tone. "I greatly like the idea of taking my wife home with me."

"Something that more than one of us would be glad to do," sighed Harold, squeezing affectionately a little hand of which he had taken possession a moment before.

"Never mind, old fellow, your turn will come one of these days, I hope," said Chester. "Perhaps when you two have waited as long as Lu and I have now."

"Ah, I'm afraid we have even a longer wait than that before us," returned Harold.

"But we can see each other every day—be together a good deal of the time," remarked Grace, in low, soothing tones.

"Well, let us have the thing settled, by hearing what father has to say about it," said Max, for at that moment the captain might be seen approaching their group.

"About what, my son?" he asked, as he took a vacant seat close at hand, for he had overheard the last few words.

"As to the place where our nuptials should be celebrated, sir," returned Max, with a little, happy laugh.

"Where else but in your homes?" asked his father. "I should like to have both my children married in my house, but Eva and you, I suppose, would prefer to have yours and hers in her home—Fairview."

"No, sir," said Evelyn, "my very strong wish is to have mine celebrated in my own old home—the house my father built and owned—Crag Cottage."

"Ah, my dear child, that is natural!" returned the captain in a tone of mingled surprise and acquiescence, "and I should be loath to stand in the way of such a wish. But I thought you and Lucilla were planning to have but one ceremony for the two couples of you?"

"Yes, sir; and since talking it over we have concluded that Crag Cottage would be a suitable place for it, if you do not object."

"It seems to me that there are reasons both for and against it," he said thoughtfully, "but since you four are the ones most nearly concerned, I think it will be only right and kind to let you decide the question among yourselves. But it is growing late in the season, and if the ceremony is to be performed here at the North, it should take place quite soon. Can you make needed preparations in a few days?"

"I think we can," both girls answered to that question.

"Very well, then, so far as I am concerned you shall do just as you please. For that matter, you are all of legal age to do so whether you have my permission or not."

At that all four instantly disclaimed any intention or desire to go contrary to his wishes, and Eva added:

"I shall of course write at once to my uncle and aunt asking their consent and approval; for, though of legal age, I owe to them more than that for the great kindness they have shown me ever since the death of my dear father."

"That is a right feeling you have toward them," remarked Captain Raymond, in a tone of commendation, "but I have no idea that they will oppose your wishes in the least in this matter."

"No, I am almost sure they will not," she said; "but I shall write them to-night, and hope for a prompt reply. There will be some necessary shopping to do, and New York City will be the best place for that."

"Decidedly," assented the captain, "and you could have no better helpers in that than my wife and her mother."

"And yourself, papa," laughed Lucilla.

"As purse-bearer?" he asked, with a smile. "I shall certainly be that, and ready to exercise my taste as regards the choice of the goods."

"And I may be the housekeeper here on the Dolphin while you are away on your pleasant errands, I suppose," said Grace.

"Yes, if you like, daughter," returned the captain; and Harold added, "And I as your assistant, if you are willing to make use of me."

"To see to it that she does not overwork herself," said the captain.

"And what may Chester and I be allowed to do?" queried Max.

"To keep them company,—if they desire it,—manage the vessel, and keep the children out of mischief, especially from falling overboard, and entertained in harmless ways."

"I think we can do all that," said Max; "but how long do you expect to be absent, father? Are we to lie still in the harbor here till you return?"

"Just as you please," said his father. "If you choose to steam along the shores, out into the ocean or up the river, you have full liberty to do so. All I ask is that you take good care of the children and the vessel."

"Well, sir, I think that with Chester's and Harold's help I can engage to do all that," laughed Max. "Don't you think so, lads?" turning first to one, then to the other of the young men.

Both returned an affirmative reply, then they all joined the group of older ladies, told of their plans and purposes, and asked for advice, and whether the assistance they wanted in their shopping might be confidently expected.

At first both ladies were surprised that the young people should think of having their weddings before returning home, but, after a little discussion, highly approved of the plan, and expressed themselves as willing as possible to assist in the shopping and all needful preparations. Then they discussed the question what it would be needful or advisable to purchase, what dresses should be made and where the work could be done in the speediest and most approved manner, as it was wisest and best to consider and decide upon these matters before setting out to do their errands.

Evelyn wrote her letter to her uncle and aunt before retiring for the night, and had it posted early the next morning. Shortly after breakfast the shopping party went into the city on their pleasant errand, and a little later the Dolphin weighed anchor and steamed out of harbor, going seaward.

The party on its deck was a cheerful, even merry one, Max and Chester rejoicing in the near approach of their long looked-for nuptials; Harold happy in having full possession for the time of his affianced, and Elsie and Ned Raymond in gay, youthful spirits, for they loved to be on the yacht and with Brother Max, Uncle Harold, and also Chester, with whom they had become almost as free and affectionate as if he were an own brother.

"Where are we going now, Brother Max?" asked Ned.

"I think we will put it to vote," replied Max. "My idea is that it might be very pleasant to steam along near the shore of the Sound on one side going out, and on the other returning; so getting a view of the country on both. Grace, as you are the only lady present, I think you should have the first vote. Shall we do as I have proposed, or something different?"

"It sounds very pleasant, Max," replied Grace, "but I don't wish to decide the question, for I shall enjoy going anywhere in the Dolphin, and with such pleasant company."

"Rather non-committal," laughed Max. "Well, Chester and Harold, what do you say?"

Both answered that they approved his plan, and would like nothing better, and Elsie and Ned exclaimed with enthusiasm that they would like nothing better.

"A unanimous vote in favor," commented Max, "so the thing is settled."

"And we can settle to something," remarked Elsie, in a tone of satisfaction; "Uncle Harold, don't you want to tell us about some of the poor wounded or sick fellows you attended in Cuba?"

"I fear I have not much to tell of them—seeing I have already told so much—except that they were wonderfully brave and patient, full of love for their country and compassion for the downtrodden, inhumanly treated Cubans," replied Dr. Travilla.

"I think our soldiers were very brave, patient, and uncomplaining," said Elsie. "I am very proud of them, especially because they didn't do cruel deeds such as I have read of soldiers of other nations doing in time of war."

"Yes, I think they deserved that commendation," said Harold. "And the attempt of Hobson and his men to block the entrance to Santiago harbor by sinking the Merrimac there was brave as brave could be. We have indeed cause to be proud of our soldiers."

"And so we are!" cried Ned enthusiastically, "and," turning toward his brother, "just as proud of the brave fellows that were at Manila as of those in Cuba."

"Thank you, young man," returned Max, with a bow and a smile. "We certainly have every reason to believe that our doings there have been appreciated by our kind countrymen."

"Brother Max, could you help feeling a little bit afraid when your ship went into that long channel with its many forts and torpedoes?"

"I certainly cannot say that I was entirely free from fear," acknowledged Max; "but I had no desire to escape the danger by giving up my part in the coming fight, for I felt that we were on the right side of it—undertaken for the oppressed—and that my Heavenly Father was able to protect me, and all of us."

"And he did," exclaimed Elsie, in joyful tones; "it was just wonderful how you all escaped being killed, and only a few were slightly wounded."

"It was indeed," assented Max, "and a great cause for thankfulness."

"Do you like Admiral Dewey, Brother Max?" asked Ned.

"Yes, yes indeed!" was the earnest, smiling reply. "He is determined with his men, but very kind-hearted. The man who has been guilty of a fault may be pretty sure of pardon if he confesses it, but not if he tells a falsehood to escape his deserts. Lying is a thing which Dewey utterly detests."

"I wish I could get acquainted with him," said Elsie; "though I suppose he wouldn't like to be bothered with talking to a little girl of my age."

"I don't know about that," laughed Max; "he is said to be very fond of children."

"Has he any of his own?" she asked, with a look of interest.

"One son; but he is grown up and is in business."

"Oh, do tell me what sort of folks the Filipinos are?"

"I will do my best," replied Max. "The men are not tall, but have good forms and well-shaped heads. Their looks are boyish, and they seem never to grow old. They have black, glossy hair that seldom grows gray. The women are graceful and rather good-looking. They usually wear their hair loose, and no hat or bonnet on their heads. Their dress is a satin skirt handsomely embroidered, and a waist of pina cloth, having flowing sleeves. They wear a scarf of the finest quality, and beautifully embroidered, about their neck and shoulders. An American lady there told me that they often spend years on the embroidery of a single garment, and that she and others of our ladies had gone into raptures over that work, but could seldom secure a specimen. They are very cleanly people—bathe a great deal, and keep their clothing very clean; their houses also are kept clean, neat, and tidy. The women sew, spin, weave, and gather thatch to keep the hut in repair. They also catch fish for the family to eat, and are skilful at that business. They carry burdens on their heads, and that makes them erect and graceful. A good many of both Spaniards and Chinamen have married Filipino women, and the children, called Mestizoes, make good citizens, seeming to inherit the patient industry of the Chinese father and the gentle disposition and dignified self-possession of the Filipino mother. But now I think I have done my share of talking for the present, and must leave the rest of you to do yours while I see if all is going right with our vessel," added Max, rising and leaving the group as he spoke.

"Uncle Harold, do you know the captain they call 'Fighting Bob'?" asked Ned.

"Slightly," returned his uncle, "and a brave, noble man he is—a naval officer to be proud of; perfectly fearless and cool in battle, kind and helpful to conquered foes. He was commander of the Iowa, to which the Spanish ship Vizcaya surrendered. Her captain, in a speech in Spain, had said that he would tow back the Iowa to his king; but he was not able to do so. The Iowa drove shell after shell into his vessel, till she was a mass of flames, and struck her flag.

"Then 'Fighting Bob' sent out his boats to rescue the prisoners on the ship and in the water, and took back to the Iowa several officers and two hundred and forty men, her captain, Eulate, among them. It is said to have been a horrible scene—so many dead and wounded men, and Captain Eulate, limping, and with his head bound up. He saluted as he stepped upon the deck of the Iowa, and so did Captain Evans.

"'You are Captain Evans? This is the Iowa?' asked Captain Eulate. 'Yes,' said Captain Evans, and took Eulate's hand in both of his, shaking it warmly. Eulate stepped back, unbuckled his sword, kissed it, and with the most elegant grace, handed it, hilt forward, to Captain Evans. But he refused to take it, turning the palm of his hand outward and waving it back, at the same time shaking his head—a very emphatic refusal.

"The Spaniards, officers and men, looked on in astonishment. Captain Eulate pressed Captain Evans' hand, and the crew gave Eulate three cheers, for he had fought well, and only gave up when his ship was in flames and sinking.

"Just then a terrific explosion was heard on the Vizcaya, which was only a short distance off, and a solid column of smoke went up nearly four thousand feet, it is said, taking the form of a gigantic mushroom. At that Captain Eulate turned around, pointing with one hand to his ruined ship, with the other toward his officers and men, 'Veeski! Veeski!' he cried at the top of his voice, while tears rolled down his cheeks. His men sprang toward him, and many of them kissed his hand. He said in Spanish, 'My brave marines!' and looked away."

"That was a very interesting story, uncle," said Elsie, as Dr. Travilla paused. "I hope there's more of it."

"Oh, yes, please go on, Uncle Harold," said Ned. "Our ships took all the Spanish ones, didn't they?"

"Yes; the Maria Teresa was now a wreck also, and the Iowa went to the relief of her drowning and burning men. Admiral Cervera was taken prisoner and brought on board the Iowa. When he stepped aboard, with his staff, Captain Evans stood with uncovered head, and the marine guard presented arms. Captain Eulate stepped toward him, touched his sword with his hand and pressed it to his breast, crying out in Spanish, pointing toward Captain Evans, evidently extolling his bravery and generosity. The admiral made a courtly bow to Captain Evans, and shook hands with him. The rest of the Spanish officers kissed the hand of the Spanish admiral four times, and embraced and kissed Captain Eulate. The men of the crew, too, would now and then see a comrade whom they had supposed dead, and they would fall to embracing and kissing."

"Did Captain Evans thank God for his victory, as Captain Philip did, uncle?" asked Elsie.

"No; but when some one blamed him for not having done so, he said that while preparations were being made for it he found that he was surrounded by boats carrying dying and wounded prisoners, and others of the crew of the Vizcaya, to the number of two hundred and fifty. 'To leave these men to suffer for want of food and clothing, while I called my men aft to offer prayers, was not my idea of either Christianity or religion,' he wrote in reply. 'I preferred to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, and succor the sick, and I am strongly of the opinion that Almighty God has not put a black mark against me on account of it. I do not know whether I shall stand with Captain Philip among the first chosen in the hereafter, but I have this to say in conclusion, that every drop of blood in my body on the afternoon of July 3d, was singing thanks and praise to Almighty God for the victory we had won.'"

"They call Captain Evans 'Fighting Bob,' don't they, uncle?" asked Ned.

"Yes; but it is said that he does not like it, and insists that he is no more of a fighter than very many of his brother officers. But it is really used as an honor to one whom his countrymen admire. But probably he will do no more fighting, as, by his own request, he has been detached from the command of the Iowa, and made a member of the Board of Inspection and Survey—a change he was entitled to, having already served more than his term of sea duty."

"Oh, uncle!" said Elsie, in a tone of entreaty, "can't you tell us something more about Captain Philip? I do like him so, because of his being such a good Christian man."

"He is that," said Dr. Travilla emphatically, "and one of the bravest and most modest of men. When asked for his photograph he replied that he had never had one taken; and on being urgently invited to be present at a reception to Lieutenant Hobson, given in New York, he shook his head, saying the trial would be too much for him. But I dare say his real reason was a fear that his presence might deprive the young officer of some of the attention and honor due to him."

"Have you ever seen him, uncle?" asked Elsie.

"Yes, once, for a few minutes, and I have heard him described as mild-mannered, full of fun, with gray mustache, a kindly face, and mild blue eyes, and it is said that he is fond of his men as they are of him. He said to some one, 'I have a stout ship and a crew of Americans. So had the other captains. That was why we won.' He fairly earned his promotion, first to the rank of commodore, then to that of admiral.

"Now you two have taken in a good deal of information; don't you think it might be well for you to take some exercise in running about the deck?" concluded Uncle Harold, in a kindly tone, to which Elsie and Ned responded with a cheerful, "Yes, sir! Thank you for the stories," then ran away to carry out his suggestions, Grace calling after them to be very careful not to go into any dangerous place.

"We won't," Ned called back. "We want to live to go to that double wedding."

"Yes, Ned," said Elsie, in a much lower tone, "and we want to buy some handsome presents for the brides. I spoke to mamma about that, and she said she and papa and grandma would give us our turn at the business of shopping; maybe day after to-morrow, for they expect to come back to the Dolphin to-morrow evening, and if the weather is suitable we can go into the city directly after breakfast the next morning."

"Oh, good!" cried Ned. "Won't it be fun? I hope papa has plenty of money for us to spend, so that we can get something very handsome—jewelry, perhaps. That will be the most suitable and acceptable, I suppose."

"Probably," returned Elsie. "Grandma, papa, and mamma will be the ones to decide."

"Of course," said her brother; "but they'll let us have some say about it too."

Max and Chester were at the same moment standing together at some little distance in a friendly discussion of a similar topic—what gifts they should procure for their brides.

"Jewelry of some sort would, I suppose, be considered the most appropriate," remarked Chester half inquiringly.

"That is my idea," returned Max. "I believe the majority of ladies can hardly have too much of it—though I have never noticed Eva cared very much about it. I think, however, that Lu does; I know that some years ago she had a strong desire for more than father deemed best for her."

"Tastes differ," sagely remarked Chester, "and I wish to give her whatever she would prefer."

"Certainly," said Max; "that is right and kind, and just my feeling in regard to the gift to Eva."

"Well," said Chester, "fortunately we do not need to decide the question until we see what the jewellers and other merchants have to offer."

"Shall we go together to make our selections?" asked Max.

"I should like to do so, if it suits you; and to have your father along—Cousins Elsie and Violet also, if they feel inclined to go."

"Yes, indeed!" said Max; "for they both have excellent taste and judgment. I don't know any one whose opinion on the subject I should consider more valuable."

"Nor do I," responded Chester. "We are very fortunate in our lady friends, and I may well add in gentlemen also, Max—your father in especial."

"Thank you," returned Max, with a smile of gratification; "I think there is not a more perfect man and gentleman anywhere to be found; but that may be because I am his son."

"Oh, no! not altogether, at any rate," said Chester; "for you are by no means alone in your favorable opinion."

"No, I flatter myself that I am not. Ah! do you see how earnestly Harold and Grace are talking together? I shouldn't wonder if they are upon the very same subject we have just been discussing."

"Quite likely. It seems to be the most important subject for older and younger of our party at present."

"Yes. By the way, Chester, we are hurrying matters so that we can hardly hope or expect to have very many of our Southern relatives and friends to witness the ceremony."

"No, I suppose we can't. But we might invite them to visit us in our own house as soon after we get there as they please," laughed Chester.

"True enough!" exclaimed Max, looking highly pleased at the thought, "and how delightful it would be to entertain them there."

"So I think, and you don't know how I have wanted a home for that, as well as for my own private enjoyment."

"I have had some very severe attacks of homesickness since I left my father's house for the Naval Academy, so that I think I can understand your feelings," Max said, with a smile. "And I expect to be somewhat envious of you and Lu some months hence, when I have to leave wife and home to go—perhaps to the other side of the world."

"Yes, Max, when I think of that I am sorry for you, and for ourselves that we must be so often deprived of your pleasant society."

They were steaming along within sight of the shore, and just at that moment the children came running to ask Max some question about what could be seen there. He listened and replied very kindly, Chester now and then taking part in the talk.

The day and evening passed pleasantly to all on board; the children retired at their accustomed early hour, Grace helping Elsie in preparing for her couch, lest the dear little sister should miss Mamma too sorely, and wet her pillow with tears. Ned considered himself almost a man now, and quite fit to do without any attention in that line. "I do miss Mamma," Elsie said, as she laid herself down in the berth, "but it is very nice to share this stateroom with you for once, Gracie dear."

"And I am very glad to have you do so," replied Grace; "for I shall not miss Lu half so much with you in her place."

"It's nice and kind in you to say that," returned Elsie, with a loving look and smile. "But don't feel as if you must come to bed as early as I do, but go back and enjoy Brother Max, Uncle Harold, and Chester a little longer, for I am sure they want you."

"Well, then I'll kiss you good-night, you darling little sister, and go back to them for perhaps another hour," Grace said, accompanying her words with a tender caress.

She found the gentlemen still on deck, where she had left them, and they gave her no reason to doubt that her society was welcome to them.

An hour was spent in cheerful chat, and some singing of appropriate songs and hymns, then they bade good-night, and all retired to their staterooms, Max having first attended to all his duties as captain of the vessel.

The night passed quietly, and the next morning all woke rested and refreshed, ready to enjoy their breakfast, and after that the walks and talks upon deck, varied by resting in steamer chairs while chatting and gazing out upon the water and the land, out of sight of which they seldom were. The weather was all that could be desired, and they rejoiced in that fact for both themselves and their friends, the shoppers.

The latter came on board soon after the yacht had come to anchor again in New York harbor. Their bright, cheerful faces told at once of success with what had been undertaken and of satisfaction with their purchases, and their tongues speedily repeated the pleasant story of beautiful silks, satins, laces and other trimmings, for in the family circle they did not care to make a secret of their needful, or desirable, preparations for the approaching ceremony.

All passed the night on the vessel, Violet remarking that one night at the best of hotels was quite enough for her; she felt so much more at home on their own delightful yacht. But shortly after breakfast the children were taken into the city to select their bridal gifts, their father and mother going along with them. Grace, in compliance with a suggestion from her father, was quite willing to entrust the selection of her gifts to him and Mamma, shopping being always wearisome work for her.

Grandma Elsie, Evelyn, and Lucilla remained on the vessel, with Grace, to take a good rest, while the young men went in search of their gifts for the brides that were to be.

"How many dresses did you have fitted?" asked Grace.

"Two apiece," replied her sister; "our wedding gowns and one other for each of us. The others were expressed home at once, to be made up by our own dressmakers, who, as you know, have our measures, so that they may be ready to wear by the time we return, or very soon after."

"A very good plan, I think," said Grace. "Eva, have you heard from your uncle and aunt in reply to your note the other day?"

"Yes," Evelyn replied, with a smile, "and I am happy to say that they highly approve of our plans and purposes—not bidding me beware of the truth of the old saying, 'Marry in haste and repent at leisure,' but promising to have everything in readiness for us and our ceremony. Isn't it good of them?"

"Very nice and kind, I think," said Grace. "How favorably everything seems to go with you! I am very glad for you both."

"Thank you," said Eva. "We might make a triple wedding of it if your father would only consent."

"Oh, no! I don't wish it. Father is right, I know; he always is; and I don't want to leave him yet for anybody."

"And you are entirely right in that, my dear," said Grandma Elsie. "I can see that, although I should dearly love to gain possession of my new little daughter at once."

"It is very nice and kind in you, Grandma Elsie, to be so ready to claim me for your own," Grace returned, happy tears shining in her eyes.

"Ah, I fear your father might see that in a different light," returned Grandma Elsie, with one of her sweet smiles. "I think he would prefer to keep you all his own, and I cannot blame him. Now, girls," turning to the others, "suppose we make out a list of the relatives and friends who should be invited to your wedding, so that that matter can be promptly attended to."

The girls gave a ready assent and the list was presently prepared.

"Now I have been thinking," Eva said, as they finished, "that as October is so delightful a month, even up here on the Hudson, we might as well take a little more time for our preparations, spending it at Crag Cottage; and that would make it possible for our friends to attend the ceremony, should they choose to come. You could spare that much more time from your home, couldn't you, Grandma Elsie?"

"Easily; and I think it a very good idea. If anything like the entire number of our friends should come, you would not have sleeping accommodations for nearly all of them, and the hotels in the neighborhood are, I think, closed, or will be by that time; but a noon wedding would enable guests to come in the morning and leave before night."

"Oh, that's a capital idea, Grandma Elsie!" exclaimed Lucilla. "Don't you think so, Eva?"

"I do, and think every one else will," returned Evelyn joyously. "Then our wedding gifts can be shown at the cottage, packed, and sent home afterward in time to get there before we do—as we are to take a trip to Niagara Falls before going home."

When the shoppers returned and were told of this plan, they one and all highly approved; so it was decided upon, and the necessary preparations were promptly made.

The children were in high spirits, delighted with the purchases they had made; the older people seemed equally satisfied with theirs, though their report was given in quieter fashion. Some of the smaller gifts the purchasers brought with them, but the others were to be sent first to Crag Cottage, and after the wedding from there to the brides' homes. After some little discussion of the plan, an immediate return to Crag Cottage was decided upon, and presently the yacht was steaming up the river.