“Husband, brother, sister, baby and all with her, I presume,” added Harold sportively. “And baby will probably come in her own coach, like the grand lady she is,” laughed Violet. “I shall enjoy seeing her in it.”
“Resting on and covered by the beautiful furnishings provided by your generosity and taste, mamma,” said Grace, with a loving, appreciative look at her young stepmother.
“Are we going to have a party to-night?” asked Ned.
“Not exactly,” said his father; “at least, it will be only a home party of what I call our own immediate family—my children and grandchild.”
“Many thanks, my dear captain, that I seem to be included in the number forming that happy family,” said Harold, with a bow and pleased smile.
“Yes,” laughed Violet, “but don’t imagine that I am going to permit you to call me mamma, considering that you are my younger brother.”
“So I am, Mrs. Raymond; but by no means young enough to be an obedient son to you,” Harold returned in playful tone, “or, indeed, any son at all. It will be well enough to bear that relationship to your husband, but fairly ludicrous to pretend to bear it to so young and fair a lady as yourself.”
“I should think the fairness would make it a trifle less objectionable, if anything could,” returned Violet with mischievous look and smile.
“Really, those mutual relationships make small difference, except as they may affect your docility when you are the patient and I the physician,” returned Harold gravely.
“All of us obey your orders when you are the doctor, uncle,” remarked Elsie. “Sister Grace never will do a thing that you tell her not to.”