Immediately on leaving the table, they all—entertainers and entertained—set out on the short drive to Sunnyside, where, on arriving, they found their relatives and friends from Beechwood and the Oaks waiting to offer their congratulations and wish them happiness and prosperity in their married life.
Being all acquaintances and friends of so long standing, they were shown over the whole house by the happy owners, and cordial congratulations were freely bestowed.
"In view of the comforts, conveniences and beauties of the establishment, I should like to see Chester and offer my congratulations on his success in winning a lovely wife, and having so delightful a home to share with her," remarked Mrs. Horace Dinsmore, as she was about leaving. "But I can't stay longer if I am to make due preparation for attending the party at Woodburn to-night," she added.
"And you wouldn't miss that for something, would you?" laughed Mrs. Hugh Lilburn. "I am sure I wouldn't."
"No; for I daresay we will have a delightful time. I know no better entertainers than the Captain and Vi."
"Nor do I," said Mrs. Leland; "and this being so extra an occasion they will doubtless do their best."
"I think they will, and I hope no invited guest will stay away or be disappointed," said Grace, with a merry look and smile.
"No danger of either calamity, Gracie," said Mrs. Dinsmore. "Ah, there's our carriage at the door," and with a hasty good-bye and a cordial invitation to all present to make frequent visits at the Oaks, she and her husband and daughter departed.
The Beechwood friends lingered a little longer, as did those from Fairview and Woodburn. But at length Grace said she thought it time to go home for, of course, there were some matters she ought to attend to in preparation for the evening.
"Shall I send you in the carriage?" asked Lucilla.