"How soon are we going, papa?" asked Ned.
"Probably about the 1st of February."
"To stay long?"
"That will depend largely upon how we enjoy ourselves."
"The study of the history of Florida will be very interesting, I am sure, father," said Lucilla; "but we will hardly find time for it until next week."
"No," he replied, "I suppose not until after New Year's—as we are to go through quite a round of family reunions. But in the meantime I will, as I said, procure the needed books."
"And shall we learn lessons in them in school time, papa?" asked Ned.
"No, son; when we are alone together in the evenings—or have with us only those who care to have a share in learning all they can about Florida. Our readers may then take turns in telling the interesting facts they have learned from the books. Do you all like the plan?"
All thought they should like it; so it was decided to carry it out.
That week except Sunday was filled with a round of most enjoyable family festivities, now at the home of one part of the connection, now at another, and wound up with a New Year's dinner at Woodburn. There was a good deal of talk among them about Florida and the pleasure probably to be found in visiting it that winter, to say nothing of the benefit to the health of several of their company—Chester especially, as he still had a troublesome cough.