“Yes, the right place to be loved and petted,” said Violet. “I suppose partly because we have had no baby among us for some years.”
“I’m glad we have one now, and that she’s my little niece, the dearest, prettiest baby in the land!” cried Elsie, bending over the child and regarding it with loving admiration.
“Where’s Harold?” asked Violet. “I wonder he didn’t come with his mother and brothers.”
“Gone to visit some patients who have been longing for his return,” replied Herbert; adding laughingly: “They actually appear to think him a better physician than either Cousin Arthur or myself. I presume he will be in after a little, though. And yonder, I see, come grandpa and grandma, with Ed and his family.”
“Ah, that is well,” said the captain; “the more the merrier.”
The new arrivals met a hearty welcome, spent a delightful half hour, then returned to Ion; but had scarcely left Woodburn when a servant came to tell the Sunnyside folk that callers were there awaiting the return of its owners.
“Who are they?” asked Max.
“The folks from the Oaks and Beechwood,” was the reply.
“Oh, just our own connections,” said Lucilla; “so, father, you, Grandma Elsie, Mamma Vi and the rest, you will accompany us, won’t you? I think it would be pleasant for us all.”
Evelyn and Max added their urgent invitation, and all accepted except Herbert, who excused himself on the plea that there were patients whom he ought to call upon promptly.