“Indeed!” Mildred said, with an arch look and smile, “I understood it was because you couldn’t do without me and your boy.”
“For both reasons, my dear; and so loath am I to be parted from you that I shall find very little pleasure in visiting old friends, and old familiar haunts, unless I can take my wife along.”
“I hope you gentlemen will allow us some quiet home pleasures also for a variety,” remarked Rose. “I have been planning the enjoyment of some interesting books and many a chat with Cousin Mildred.”
“Discussing the affairs of the nation?” asked Mr. Dinsmore, with a twinkle of fun in his eye.
“Perhaps they may be the theme occasionally,” she answered demurely, “when we have exhausted those, to us, more important topics—husbands, housekeeping, and babies.”
“For those shall you require secret sessions? deliberating with closed doors?” asked the doctor.
“Perhaps that you will learn in due time. Cousin Mildred, I have learned that, like myself, you have a great fondness for both books and music.”
“Yes; and I have been rejoicing in the certainty that plenty of books worth reading will always be found where Cousin Horace is.”
From that the talk turned upon books and authors.
The little girls, both sufficiently intelligent and well informed to understand and appreciate the remarks of their elders, were quiet but interested listeners. Mr. and Mrs. Dinsmore were attentive to their wants as well as to those of the older guests, and the table was well served by several skilled waiters.