CHAPTER XX
The whole connection seemed filled with a desire to entertain their returned travellers, especially Max, whose present stay among them would be but short. And that the baby might accompany its parents, the gathering together of the relatives and friends was always in the afternoon.
On Monday they took dinner and spent the afternoon at the Laurels, on Tuesday at the Oaks, Wednesday at Roselands, Thursday at Beechwood, and there the younger ones had great sport, Cousin Ronald and Max helping them.
They were all on the veranda after dinner, chatting pleasantly among themselves, when Ned exclaimed:
“Oh, let’s have some fun on the lawn! We may play there, mayn’t we, Cousin Ronald?”
“You may, Cousin Ned,” answered the old gentleman with a pleased smile, “and mayhap I’ll tak’ a turn wi’ ye, if I’m not deemed sae auld as to spoil the sport.”
“Oh, I think it would be fun for us to have you with us, sir!” cried Ned. “Now, how many of you boys and girls would like to join in a game of ‘I spy’?”
In reply to that query all the children present immediately expressed a desire to take part in the game, and they promptly adjourned to the grounds. All were familiar with the game.
“Now who shall be the one to hide his eyes?” asked Ned, his look and tone of voice showing a desire to fill the position himself.