A Cape Code story in which Cap'n Dan's wife loses her head over society when they come into a fortune, and nearly shipwrecks the family. A managing daughter steers them skillfully back into calm waters by pretending to be more foolish than her mother and all ends happily. Cap'n Dan with his views on modern society, his philosophy and humor furnishes the chief interest.
hat--" stammered Azuba. "Oh, my land! WHAT is it?"
"Where's Serena?" demanded Captain Daniel, paying no attention to the saucer, except to tread upon the fragments.
"Hey? Oh, what IS it? Is the store afire?"
"No, no! Where's Serena?"
"She--she--what--"
"Where's SERENA, I ask you?"
"In her room, I cal'late. For mercy sakes, what--"
But the captain did not answer. Through dining-room, sitting-room, and parlor he galloped, and up the front stairs to the bedroom occupied by himself and wife. Mrs. Dott was standing before the mirror, red-faced and panting, both arms behind her and her fingers busily engaged. Her husband's breath was almost gone by the time he reached the foot of the stairs; consequently his entrance was a trifle less noisy and startling than his sky-rocket flight through the kitchen. It is doubtful if his wife would have noticed even if it had been. She caught a glimpse of him in the mirror, and heaved a sigh of relief.
"Oh, it's you, is it!" she panted. "My, I'