"It is a question I have hardly considered yet," she replied. "Perhaps it might be well to hold a family council on the subject." "May I offer a suggestion?" asked Evelyn modestly, blushing as she spoke. "Certainly, my dear," said Mrs. Travilla. "We will be glad to hear it," said the captain. "Then it is that all who think they would find it agreeable will spend at least a week or two with me in my cottage on the Hudson. It was rented for a time, but is vacant now, and I want very much to be in it for a while, yet certainly not alone." "It is most kind in you to invite us, Evelyn, dear," said Mrs. Travilla, "but our party would much more than fill it." "Unless we should go in relays," laughed Violet; "perhaps it might be managed in that way, if Eva is very desirous to have us there." "And perhaps there are hotels in the vicinity where most of us could be accommodated," said the captain. "We are much obliged for your invitation, Eva, and will consider the question and talk it over with the others who may choose to be of our party." "Oh, I think it would be fun to go there!" exclaimed Sydney. "If I can have my way, I'll pay you a little visit there, and pass the rest of the time at the seashore." "That is what I should like to do," said Lucilla. "And I also," added Grace; "if papa and mamma approve, and would be with us in both places." "Of course I meant that," Lucilla hastened to say; "we would not half enjoy ourselves without them; and the children," she added, glancing at Elsie and Ned. "It seems to me we're getting pretty big to be called that," said Ned a little scornfully. "I'll be a man one of these days." "Not quite that yet, little brother," laughed Lucilla. The talk in regard to the summer's excursion was renewed after family worship, as they all sat together upon the veranda. Various places were talked of, various plans discussed, but nothing could be fully decided upon without consultation with the other near relatives who might decide to be of the party. "Hello! here comes Doctor Herbert," exclaimed Walter, as a doctor's gig turned in at the great gates and came driving rapidly up to the house. "What is it, Doc?" springing up and hastening down the steps as the gig halted before them. "A letter for mother," answered Herbert, handing it to Walter as he spoke. "Good-morning, mother, and all of you. You are looking well and have no need of a doctor, I suppose?" "Yes, we want a call from that one," said Violet. "Come in, won't you, if it is for only five minutes?" "Well, yes; since you are so urgent and I know of no urgent call for my services elsewhere," answered Herbert, suiting the action to the word. "Good-morning, my son," was his mother's smiling salutation, as he bent down to give her an affectionate caress. "I suppose you want to hear what Rosie has to say. I will just glance over her letter, then read aloud whatever I think she would deem suitable for you all to hear."