"Ah, yes; so she tells me," responded Mrs. Travilla, her eyes still upon the letter. "They have taken a furnished house for some months, there is another within a few yards of it, now empty, and they want us all to come there, help fill the two, and have a pleasant time for a few days, or weeks, enjoying the lovely scenery, the sea breeze, and each other's society. What do you all say to the proposition?"
"I think we might spend a short time as pleasantly there as anywhere else," said Mr. Dinsmore.
"As I do," said his wife.
"I only wish I could be of the party," sighed Walter, assuming a very depressed expression of countenance; "but my college duties will claim my attention before that."
"For which you may be very thankful, laddie," said his sister Rose. "Remember it is not every boy—or young man—who attains to the blessing of a college education, without having to earn it by hard work."
"I expect and intend to do hard work," returned Walter, stirring his coffee, for he had seated himself and was beginning a hearty breakfast.
"On which side is your vote to be cast, Violet, my dear?" asked the captain in his pleasant tones, turning inquiringly to his young wife.
"I think a brief visit there, on our homeward route, might be very enjoyable," she replied; "but if my husband prefers to go directly home I shall be entirely content."
"Thank you, my dear. I do not see any need of excessive haste in returning home, and it shall be just as you say, whether we accept Cousin Molly's invitation or decline it."
"Then suppose we leave it to Lu and Gracie to say what shall be done, so far as our immediate family is concerned."