Rosie’s vexation was all pretence; she set diligently to work, as did each of the others, and all went swimmingly with them and their teacher till the day’s tasks were done and they dismissed to their sports.
Rosie and Walter had permission to stay at Woodburn until their mother’s return, which was not till near tea-time. So they dined with the captain and his children, and they were a very merry little party, the captain jesting with them all in a way to both entertain the older ones and help the babies to forget their mother’s absence.
They seemed to do so, and to be content and happy with their father and sisters, yet when mamma returned to them received her with demonstrations of delight.
Both the captain and Violet urged Grandma Elsie to stay to tea, keeping Rosie and Walter there with her.
“We want a little visit from you, mother,” added the captain; “would be very glad to have you stay all night and as much longer as you will, but our family carriage will be at your service to carry you to Ion whenever you desire to go.”
“Yes, mamma, do stay at least till after tea,” urged Walter; “it is very pleasant here, about as pleasant as at home, and I think the change may be of benefit to you.”
“So you are turning doctor, are you, Walter?” laughed Rosie. “It might be well to engage Cousin Art to superintend your studies as well as those of Harold and Herbert; though it seems to me it would be rather a mistake to put so many lads out of one family into one profession.”
“That is a question that may be considered at some other time,” returned Walter, with unmoved gravity. “Mamma, you will stay, will you not?”
“Yes, since a visit here is the prescription of my little new doctor,” Elsie returned with a smile; “and since the host and hostess are both so kindly urgent.”