“Just as I think,” said Evelyn; “but I doubt if we can make a lengthened stay, as I overheard occasional remarks yesterday at Ion indicating that we would be likely to receive a number of calls from relatives and friends to-day.”
“But,” laughed Lucilla, “they will be calling upon the Woodburn folks, too, and it will be to them a saving of time and trouble to find us all in one house.”
“So it will,” responded Max in laughing tone, “and I hope they will appreciate our kindness in so evidently consulting their convenience in regard to the matter.”
“Ah, how sweet our little darling looks this morning!” exclaimed Lucilla, stepping to Evelyn’s side and bending over the little one. “Precious pet, Aunt Lu loves to look at you.”
“Tell Aunt Lu you will look much sweeter when you have had your bath and are dressed for the day,” said Evelyn, and the child seemed to answer:
“Let me have it soon, mamma, before my dear grandpa sees me.”
“Yes, so you shall,” Eva replied, with a laughing look at her husband. “Baby dear, you should appreciate the blessing of having a father who can talk for you until you can do it for yourself. Now,” she added, rising with the child in her arms, “we will go and make the contemplated improvements.”
“And I to attend to household affairs,” added Lucilla, and they passed into the entrance hall together.
The families at Woodburn and Ion sat down to their breakfast at very nearly the same time. At both places all were well and in good spirits, and as a consequence the chat was lively and pleasant.