"A very good plan, I think," said Grace. "Eva, have you heard from your uncle and aunt in reply to your note the other day?"
"Yes," Evelyn replied, with a smile, "and I am happy to say that they highly approve of our plans and purposes—not bidding me beware of the truth of the old saying, 'Marry in haste and repent at leisure,' but promising to have everything in readiness for us and our ceremony. Isn't it good of them?"
"Very nice and kind, I think," said Grace. "How favorably everything seems to go with you! I am very glad for you both."
"Thank you," said Eva. "We might make a triple wedding of it if your father would only consent."
"Oh, no! I don't wish it. Father is right, I know; he always is; and I don't want to leave him yet for anybody."
"And you are entirely right in that, my dear," said Grandma Elsie. "I can see that, although I should dearly love to gain possession of my new little daughter at once."
"It is very nice and kind in you, Grandma Elsie, to be so ready to claim me for your own," Grace returned, happy tears shining in her eyes.
"Ah, I fear your father might see that in a different light," returned Grandma Elsie, with one of her sweet smiles. "I think he would prefer to keep you all his own, and I cannot blame him. Now, girls," turning to the others, "suppose we make out a list of the relatives and friends who should be invited to your wedding, so that that matter can be promptly attended to."
The girls gave a ready assent and the list was presently prepared.
"Now I have been thinking," Eva said, as they finished, "that as October is so delightful a month, even up here on the Hudson, we might as well take a little more time for our preparations, spending it at Crag Cottage; and that would make it possible for our friends to attend the ceremony, should they choose to come. You could spare that much more time from your home, couldn't you, Grandma Elsie?"