"We will be glad to see them, Aunt Elsie," said Evelyn, "and to show our lovely homes; and I can assure you that no one can be more welcome there than you and uncle and these dear cousins of mine."
"And please understand that Eva has expressed my sentiments as fully as her own," added Lucilla in a sprightly tone.
"Mine also," said Max.
"But don't any one of you feel that this meal is to be taken in haste," said Mr. Leland, hospitably, "that is very bad for digestion and we may take plenty of time, even at the risk of having some of your callers get to Sunnyside ahead of us."
His advice was taken and much pleasant chat indulged in while they ate.
"You and uncle, of course, expect to be at Woodburn to-night, Aunt Elsie?" said Evelyn.
"Oh, yes; and expect to have you all here to-morrow night. There is to be quite a round of parties—as doubtless you know—to celebrate the great event of your and Lu's entrance into the bonds of matrimony. There will be none Saturday night, but the round will begin again Monday evening by a party at Ion given by mamma, Edward and Zoe. Tuesday evening we are all to go to the Oaks; then after that will be the Laurel's, Roselands, Beechwood, Pinegrove, Ashlands and others."
"Don't forget Aunt Rosie's at Riverside, mamma," prompted Allie, her nine-year-old daughter.
"No," returned her mother, "that would be quite too bad, for there is no one more ready to do honor to these dear friends of ours; especially now when they have just begun married life."