Raymond was not long in finding or making his opportunity.
It was the day before Christmas, and Rosie and Walter made frequent allusion to the exchange of gifts in which they expected to share that evening.

They were chatting with the captain about it, in the parlor, soon after breakfast; talking of his children also; asking if he thought they had received his presents by this time, and that they would have a tree.
Violet was sitting near, helping Rosie to dress some dolls for the little cousins at the Laurels.

Presently, one being quite ready, Rosie must run and show it to mamma, and Walter went with her.
The door had scarcely closed on them, leaving Violet and the captain sole occupants of the room, when he rose from his chair and, moving with some care and difficulty, took another close at her side.
"Are you not disobeying orders, sir, and in some danger of suffering for it ?" she asked, looking at him with a mischievous smile.
"No; I have the doctor's permission to try the ankle a little to-day," he answered.

Then, with a slightly embarrassed air, "Miss Travilla," he said, "I should like to--would you accept a Christmas gift from me ?" "You are very kind, sir," she said, blushing vividly, "but I think I must decline.

Mamma highly disapproves of young girls accepting presents from their gentlemen friends." "But I have consulted her and your grandfather in regard to this, and obtained their permission to offer it and ask for a return in kind.