"It seems to me that there are reasons both for and against it," he said thoughtfully, "but since you four are the ones most nearly concerned, I think it will be only right and kind to let you decide the question among yourselves. But it is growing late in the season, and if the ceremony is to be performed here at the North, it should take place quite soon. Can you make needed preparations in a few days?"
"I think we can," both girls answered to that question.
"Very well, then, so far as I am concerned you shall do just as you please. For that matter, you are all of legal age to do so whether you have my permission or not."
At that all four instantly disclaimed any intention or desire to go contrary to his wishes, and Eva added:
"I shall of course write at once to my uncle and aunt asking their consent and approval; for, though of legal age, I owe to them more than that for the great kindness they have shown me ever since the death of my dear father."
"That is a right feeling you have toward them," remarked Captain Raymond, in a tone of commendation, "but I have no idea that they will oppose your wishes in the least in this matter."
"No, I am almost sure they will not," she said; "but I shall write them to-night, and hope for a prompt reply. There will be some necessary shopping to do, and New York City will be the best place for that."
"Decidedly," assented the captain, "and you could have no better helpers in that than my wife and her mother."
"And yourself, papa," laughed Lucilla.