I don't think he was half as nice a father as ours; do you, Gracie ?" "'Course I don't, Lu; I just think we've got the very best in the whole world," responded Grace, laying her cheek affectionately against the hand that held hers in its strong, loving clasp.
"That is only because he is your own, my darlings," the captain said, smiling down tenderly upon them.
A lady had drawn near, and now said, "Supper is ready, Captain Raymond; will you bring your little girls and come to the table ?" "Thank you; we will do so with pleasure," he said, following her as she led the way.
The table, covered with a snow-white cloth and heaped with tempting viands, presented a very attractive appearance.
The clams were brought on after the most of the company were seated, with their coffee and bread and butter before them.

They were served hot from the fire and the shell, in neat paper trays, and eaten with melted butter.

Eaten thus they make a dish fit for a king.
By the time that all appetites were satisfied, the sun was near his setting, and it was thought best to return without delay.
On repairing to the beach, they found the tide so low that even the dory could not come close to dry land; so the ladies and children were carried through the water to the yacht.

This gave occasion for some merriment.
"You must carry me, Ned, if I've got to be carried," said Zoe; "I'm not going to let anybody else do it." "No; nor am I," he returned, gayly, picking her up and striding forward.
"I claim it as my especial privilege." Mr.Dinsmore followed with his wife, then Captain Raymond with his.
"Get in, Mr.Dinsmore," said the captain, as they deposited their burdens; "there is no occasion for further exertion on your part; I'll bring mother." "No, sir," said Edward, hurrying shoreward again, "that's my task; you have your children to take care of." "Your mother is my child, Ned, and I think I shall take care of her," Mr.Dinsmore said, hastening back to the little crowd still at the water's edge.
"We will have to let her decide which of us shall have the honor," said the captain.
"That I won't," Mr.Dinsmore said, laughingly, stepping to his daughter's side and taking her in his arms.
"Now, you two may take care of the younger ones," he added, with a triumphant glance at his two rivals.
"Ah, Ned, we are completely outwitted," laughed the captain.
"Yes; with grandpa about one can't get half a chance to wait upon mother.

Betty, shall I have the honor and pleasure of conveying you aboard of yonder vessel ?" "Yes, thank you; I see Harold and Herbert are taking Rosie and Walter," she said.