The young girls were highly pleased: it was by no means their first invitation to Beechwood, and they felt sure of being hospitably and well entertained. Ella, Hugh's wife, had been mistress of the mansion before the marriage of the old gentleman and Annis, and so continued to be, with Annis' full consent, but there was no jarring between them; they were congenial spirits, and enjoyed each other's society. Ella was fond of the old gentleman, too,--the only father she had ever known,--and her little ones, Ronald and his baby sister, were to all a strong bond of union. "It is to be an afternoon party, I suppose?" remarked Mrs. Dinsmore in a tone of inquiry. "Yes," said Mr. Lilburn. "Come as early as you please, bringing all the little folks as the guests of our bit laddie. We will have an early supper for their sakes, and after that the parents can carry them home and see them in their nests as early as they like." "And both parents and little folks may stay as late as they like," added Annis with a smile. "Yes," said her husband, "each and every guest may feel free to do that." "I hope you are not too busy to come, Rosie?" said Annis, turning to her. "Thank you, no; I should not like to miss the fun of attending little Ronald's birthday party," returned Rosie in a sprightly tone, "and you must be sure to bring him to the party I am to have some weeks later." "That, of course, will have to be as his father and mother say," laughed Annis. "Well, he shall not lack an invitation," said Rosie. "I do not intend that any of my relatives shall. By the way, I hope your nephew, Cousin Donald Keith, will be able to get a furlough, so that he can come. He has visited us several times, here and at the seashore, and I like him very much indeed." "Yes, so do I," said Annis, "and I hope he may be able to come. I should enjoy showing him my new home and entertaining him there." "He will be in demand if he comes," said Captain Raymond. "I shall want him as my guest; for he and I are old attached friends." "Ah, yes, I remember," said Annis. "No doubt he will want to be with you a part of his time." "Yes," said Grandma Elsie; "and as we will all want him we will have to divide the pleasure of his visit among us--if he will allow it." "I have always liked and admired Cousin Donald," said Violet, "and often wondered that he has remained single all these years." "He has not happened to meet the right one yet, I suppose, my dear," the captain said with a smile. "Or, if he has met her, has failed to secure her." "And in doing so has caused her to miss securing an excellent husband, I think," said Violet. "In which I certainly agree with you," Annis said. "All my married nephews seem to me to be admirable husbands. I hope, Elsie, that Cyril Keith and his Isadore may be able to come to the wedding." "So do I," responded Mrs. Travilla heartily; "and if they fail to come you may be assured it was not for lack of a warm invitation."