We may be able in a few days to write that they are better--out of danger, with careful nursing, so that the news of their convalescence will reach him at the same time with that of their severe illness." "Yes, mamma, there is comfort in that," Violet said, smiling through her tears.
On going down to breakfast the next morning Elsie found her father seated at the table, with the morning paper before him.

He glanced up at her as she came in, and something in his expression of countenance set her heart to throbbing wildly.
"Oh, papa, what is wrong ?" she asked.

"My boys?
have you ?--is there bad news of them ?" and she dropped into a chair, trembling in every limb.
"No, no, daughter," he hastened to say.

"I think they are all right; here are letters from all three," pointing to a pile on the table before him.
She drew a long breath of relief; then with another glance at his face, "But what is wrong?
certainly something is distressing you greatly.

And mamma is shedding tears," as she saw Rose furtively lift her handkerchief to her eyes.
"Yes," he sighed, "something is wrong; and not to keep you in suspense--it is a report that Captain Raymond is lost.