“No, dear, we all understand that,” said Grandma Elsie soothingly; “the monkeys are not the principal attraction, but merely an additional one.”
“Yes, ma’am,” returned the child with a relieved sigh. “I don’t want anybody to think I don’t love Aunt Vi and uncle and the rest, because I do; but the monkeys are the funniest.”
“Of course, they are,” said her Uncle Herbert; “and who doesn’t like fun?”
“I know of no one in this house who objects to it in the right time and place,” remarked her father, bestowing a reassuring smile upon the little girl.
“We seem likely to have a gay time while our young naval officer remains in the neighborhood,” remarked Mr. Dinsmore.
“Yes, sir,” said Edward; “so I understand, and I hope they—the various parties planned—may prove enjoyable.”
“I have no doubt that they will, my dear,” said Zoe.
“I hope they will be in the daytime, so that we children can go,” said Lily.
“But even if they do, the monkeys will surely not be present at all of them,” remarked Walter gravely.