“I hope to do so,” he said. “But now you may listen quietly to what others are saying. Mother,” turning to Mrs. Travilla, “I think we can hardly yet set the exact date for the ceremony that will give you a daughter and me a son. We will want our little Ned to be well enough to enjoy the occasion, and to spare his doctor for a wedding trip of more or less length.”
“Yes, sir, I agree with you in that. Perhaps Christmas eve would be a suitable time for the ceremony; Neddie will probably be well enough by then to be present; and if bride and groom want to take a trip, Herbert and Cousin Arthur Conly can give any attention or prescriptions needed during Harold’s absence.”
“Don’t forget, mother, that it is the groom’s privilege to fix the month,” exclaimed Violet. “And, Harold,” turning to him, “please don’t let it be so early as Christmas, because I want Grace here then. It would hardly seem like Christmas without her.”
“How would New Year’s day do for the ceremony?” suggested Lucilla.
“Much better than Christmas,” said Violet.
“So I think,” said the captain. “They are both too soon to suit my desires, but—I have already relinquished them.”
“It would be the best New Year’s gift you could possibly bestow upon me, captain,” said Harold.
“But what is your feeling about it, dearest?” he asked in an undertone, bending over Grace as he spoke.
“If you are suited, I am satisfied,” she returned in the same low key, and with a charming smile up into his eyes.