Then plans for the usual summer outing in the cooler climate of the North were discussed. Grandma Elsie, Captain Raymond, and Violet were of the opinion that the start for that section should be made within a week.
“You will go with us, Cousin Ronald, will you not?” asked Grandma Elsie, turning to him.
“I think not, cousin,” he replied. “I want to be here to help my laddie with his building and the adorning of the house that’s to make a home for Marian here and ourselves,” smiling kindly upon his young relative as he spoke. “But I quite approve of her accompanying you, for she’s been a diligent scholar, the captain tells me, and occasional rest and diversions are very good and desirable things for the young.”
“No better than for the old, Cousin Ronald,” returned Marian with a grateful, loving look into his eyes; “and if you don’t need them I do not, I am sure. I’ve had a very great change of scene and life, and a long journey too, within the last few months, you know, and now there is nothing I should enjoy more than staying here and helping you to put the new home in order and place the pretty furniture we bought to-day.”
Cousin Ronald and Hugh both looked much pleased with her choice.
“Ah, lassie, you appreciate your privileges,” said Mr. Lilburn, “which is more than can be said of everybody.”
“But everybody has not so many privileges or so great as mine,” returned Marian, her eyes shining.