"Thank you, dearest," he returned with a pleased smile. "I shall be very glad to give my opinion for what it is worth."
"I presume you have sent or will promptly send word to Frank that his sister is about to marry?" Mr. Dinsmore remarked in a tone between assertion and inquiry.
"We have written," replied Dick, "but are not at all certain that the letter will reach him in time, as he may have left Florida before it could be received."
"I do not quite despair of getting him here in season," remarked Chester. "I think we will hear of his whereabouts in time to send him a telegram."
Just at that moment the Magnolia carriage was seen coming up the driveway with Mr. and Mrs. Embury in it.
They had come to consult with the Viamede relatives and friends in regard to preparations for the approaching wedding and suitable and desirable gifts for the bride; for Mrs. Embury, being own sister to Dr. Percival and half-sister to Dr. Robert Johnson, felt particularly interested and desirous to do her full share in helping the young couple with their preparations for making a home for themselves.
"Do they intend to go to housekeeping?" she asked of Maud.
"It is hardly decided yet," replied Maud. "We are trying to persuade them that it will be best for us all to continue to be one family. I think that will be the way for a time at least; and when we tire of that we can easily occupy the house as two families. It is large enough and so planned that it can readily be used in that way."
"A very good thing," remarked Mr. Embury. "I think you will be the more likely to agree if you do not feel that you are shut up to the necessity of remaining one family."
"You have hardly sent out your invitations yet?" Molly said half inquiringly.