"As I am with still more reason," added Evelyn.
A few moments later found them on their way to Woodburn. There was a glad welcome there followed by a few minutes' lively chat, principally in regard to the coming event of the evening—the expected gathering of invited guests, relatives, neighbours and friends to welcome the return of the newly-married couples from their bridal trip.
"Is there anything I can do to help with your preparations, Mamma Vi?" asked Lucilla.
"Thank you, Lu, but they are almost all made now, except what the servants will do," returned Violet, adding laughingly. "And if they were not, it would surely hardly be the correct thing to let one of our brides be at the trouble of assisting with them."
"Both of them would be very glad to give their help, if it were desired or needed," said Evelyn. "We feel privileged to offer assistance, because it is our father's house," she concluded with a smiling, affectionate look at the Captain.
"That is right, daughter," he said, both his tone and the expression of his countenance showing that he was pleased with her remark.
"Oh, Lu, I have been making some changes in the rooms that were yours, but are mine now," said Grace. "Papa has provided some new pieces of furniture both there and in our little sitting-room and I want to show them to you, Eva and Max." She rose as she spoke, the others following her example.
"Are the rest of us invited, Gracie?" asked Violet, in an amused tone.
"Oh, yes, indeed!" was the gay rejoinder, "father and you, Elsie and Ned. Company that is always acceptable to me wherever I go."
"And to all of us," added Lucilla.