"I want to have two or three little flower girls," said Sidney; "and I have thought of Elsie Dinsmore, Elsie Embury, and Elsie Raymond as the ones I should prefer; they are near enough of an age, all related to me and all quite pretty; at least they will look so when handsomely dressed," she added with a laughing look at the one present, who blushed and seemed slightly embarrassed for a moment, but said not a word. "I highly approve if we can get the other two here in season," said Maud. "Then for my maid of honor I must have one of you older girls," continued Sidney. "Perhaps I'll want all three. I don't know yet how many groomsmen Robert is going to have." "Cousin Harold and my friend Max, if they will serve," said Robert, glancing inquiringly at them in turn. "Thank you, Bob," said Harold; "seeing you are a brother physician--cousin as well--I cannot think of refusing. In fact I consider myself quite honored." Max also accepted the invitation with suitable words and the talk went on. "Are you expecting to take a trip?" asked Harold. "Yes; we talk of going to the Bahamas," said Robert. "It is said to be a delightful winter resort and neither of us has ever been there." "Then I think you will be likely to enjoy your visit there greatly," responded Harold. "So we think," said Robert. "But now about groomsmen; I'd like to add your brother Herbert and Sidney's brother Frank if we can get them here, and they are willing to serve. Chester won't, because Lu must not be a bridesmaid, having served twice or thrice already in that capacity--and you know the old saying, 'Three times a bridesmaid never a bride.'" "I have little doubt of the willingness of the lads if they are here in season," returned Harold; "but I think Herbert's movements will depend largely upon those of Cousin Arthur Conly. It would hardly do for all three of us to absent ourselves from professional duties at the same time." "But Frank can be spared from his, I suppose?" Robert said inquiringly, turning to Chester as he spoke. "Yes; for a short time, I think," was Chester's reply. "Come, let us all go out on the lawn and consult in regard to the best place for having the arch made under which our bridal party are to stand," Maud said, addressing the company in general as they left the table. The invitation was accepted and they spent some time in strolling about under the trees, chatting familiarly; the principal topic being the one proposed by Mrs. Percival, but considering also the question where it would be best to set the tables for the wedding guests. "It is likely to be a large company," said Maud, "but I think we can accommodate them all comfortably." "Yes; I should think so," said Grandma Elsie. "Your lawn is large and lovely. I am very glad, Dick, that you secured so beautiful a place." "Thank you, cousin," he returned, "I think I was fortunate in getting it; as Maud does too. She likes it well." "And you prefer it to Viamede?"