"Yes," replied his mother, "let us take a stroll through the orange orchard; the sight and perfume of the fruit and blossoms are delightful."
"Yes, indeed!" he said, "and you can see, mother, whether everything is properly cared for."
"I expect to find it so," she returned, "as I have every reason to believe my overseer both faithful and competent."
They enjoyed their stroll greatly and she found no reason to change her estimate of the overseer.
It was lunch time when they returned to the house, and on leaving the table some of their party went for a row on the bayou while the rest chose riding or driving through the beautiful woods. Evelyn and Max, Lucilla and Chester formed the riding party and greatly enjoyed their little excursion. The courting of the two young couples was carried on in a very quiet way, but was none the less satisfactory and enjoyable for that. But all four of them felt a great interest in the approaching wedding and much of their talk as they rode was of it, and what gifts to the bride would be the most appropriate and acceptable.
"Chester, you know you have promised to advise me what to give to
Sidney," Lucilla said, with a smile into his eyes.
"You dear girl! so I will and I make that same request of you, for I am sure you know far more about such matters than I do," he returned with a very loverlike look.
"Quite a mistake, Mr. Dinsmore," she laughed. "But I understood you intended to give some part of the trousseau—perhaps the wedding dress."
"Yes; that and pretty much all the rest of it. And I am sure your help will be invaluable in the choice of the various articles."
"Thank you," she said, with a pleased laugh. "It is very nice to have you think so highly of my judgment and taste; but I hope you will let Grandma Elsie and Mamma Vi and Eva assist in the selection."