"And this one of your patients would not be willing to encounter them, even if such were the prescription of her physician," remarked Grace, in a lively tone.
"Nor would this older one," added Grandma Elsie, in playful tones.
"Then we will consider the Orinoco as tabooed," said the Captain; "and I suppose we shall have to treat the Amazon in the same way, as it was at a place upon its banks that one of the writers I just quoted had his most unpleasant experience with the mosquitoes."
"Well, my dear, if there is a difference of opinion and choice among us—some preferring scenery even with mosquitoes, others no scenery unless it could be had without mosquitoes—suppose we divide our forces—one set land and the other remain on board and journey on up the river."
"Ah! and which set will you join, little wife?" he asked, with playful look and tone.
"Whichever one my husband belongs to," she answered. "Man and wife are not to be separated."
"Suppose we take a vote on the question and settle it at once," said Lucilla.
"A good plan, I think," said Harold.
"Yes," assented the Captain. "Cousins Annis and Ronald, please give us your wishes in regard to rivers and mosquitoes."