"Yes," said Virginia; "they can invite rich relations but entirely neglect poor me." "Why, Virgie," exclaimed Isadore in surprise, "I am sure you have been invited there more than once since you have been here." "Well, I knew it was only a duty invitation and they didn't really want me; so I didn't go. I have a little more sense than to impose my company upon people who don't really want it." "I shouldn't think anybody would while you show such an ugly temper," thought Lucilla, but refrained from saying it. She and her companions made but a short call, presently bade good-by and continued on their way to Torriswood. They received a warm welcome there and were presently joined by the rest of their party from Viamede. There was some lively and animated chat in regard to letters sent and letters received, the making of the wedding dress and various other preparations for the coming ceremony, to all of which little Ned listened rather impatiently; then, as soon as a pause in the conversation gave him an opportunity, he turned to Dr. Percival, saying, "Cousin Dick, wouldn't it be right nice to have a little fun?" "Fun, Neddie? Why, certainly, my boy; fun is often quite beneficial to the health. But how shall we manage it? have you a good joke for us?" "No, sir," said Ned, "but you know we have two ventriloquists here and--and I like the kind of fun they make. Don't you?" "It is certainly very amusing sometimes, and I see no objection if our friends are willing to favor us with some specimens of their skill," was the reply, accompanied by a glance first at Mr. Milburn, then at Max. "Oh!" exclaimed Maud, "that might be a good entertainment for our wedding guests!" "Probably," returned her husband, "but if it is to be used then it would be well not to let our servants into the secret beforehand." "Decidedly so, I should say," said Max. "It would be better to reserve that entertainment for that time." "But surely it would do no harm to give us a few examples of your skill to-day, when the servants are out of the room," said Maud. "No, certainly not, if anything worth while could be thought of," said Max; "but it seems to me that it must be quite an old story with all of us here." "Not to me, brother Max," exclaimed Ned. "And the funny things you and Cousin Ronald seem to make invisible folks say make other people laugh as well as me." "And laughter is helpful to digestion," said a strange voice, apparently speaking from the doorway. "But should folks digest too well these doctors might find very little to do. So it is not to be wondered at if they object to letting much fun be made." "But the doctors haven't objected," laughed Dr. Percival, "and I have no fear that work for them will fail even if some of their patients should laugh and grow fat." "I presume that's what the little fellow that wants the fun has been doing," said the voice; "for as regards fat he is in prime condition."