"Easily; and I think it a very good idea. If anything like the entire number of our friends should come, you would not have sleeping accommodations for nearly all of them, and the hotels in the neighborhood are, I think, closed, or will be by that time; but a noon wedding would enable guests to come in the morning and leave before night."
"Oh, that's a capital idea, Grandma Elsie!" exclaimed Lucilla. "Don't you think so, Eva?"
"I do, and think every one else will," returned Evelyn joyously. "Then our wedding gifts can be shown at the cottage, packed, and sent home afterward in time to get there before we do—as we are to take a trip to Niagara Falls before going home."
When the shoppers returned and were told of this plan, they one and all highly approved; so it was decided upon, and the necessary preparations were promptly made.
The children were in high spirits, delighted with the purchases they had made; the older people seemed equally satisfied with theirs, though their report was given in quieter fashion. Some of the smaller gifts the purchasers brought with them, but the others were to be sent first to Crag Cottage, and after the wedding from there to the brides' homes. After some little discussion of the plan, an immediate return to Crag Cottage was decided upon, and presently the yacht was steaming up the river.
CHAPTER XVI.
It was a pleasant, happy party that gathered round the breakfast table at Crag Cottage the next morning, and a bountiful and excellent meal which they found spread before them.
Mrs. Elsie Leland—acting mistress of the house for the present—was highly pleased with the new arrangements planned for the double wedding.