“Tell them,” said Grandma Elsie, “to take their drives this morning, come to Ion in time for dinner, and spend the rest of the day and evening here.  I shall be much pleased to have them all do so.”

The message went the rounds, everybody accepted the invitation, and Elsie’s orders for the day to cook and housekeeper, were given accordingly.

The Woodburn party arrived in high spirits, a sleigh, containing the Fairview family, driving up at the same time.  They had room for one more and wanted “mamma” to occupy it; but the captain and Violet would not resign their claim, and Evelyn and Lulu showed a strong desire to be together; so the former was transferred to the Woodburn sleigh, and Zoe and Edward took the vacant seats in that from Fairview.

The two vehicles kept near together, their occupants, the children especially, were very gay and lively.  They talked of last year’s holiday sports, and indulged in pleasing anticipations in regard to what might be in store for them in those now drawing near.

“We had a fine time at the Oaks, hadn’t we, girls?” said Max, addressing Evelyn and Rosie.

“Yes,” they replied, “but a still better one at Woodburn.”

“When are you and Lu going to invite us again?” asked Rosie.

“When papa gives permission,” answered Max, sending a smiling, persuasive glance in his father’s direction.

“It is quite possible you may not have very long to wait for that, Max,” was the kindly indulgent rejoinder from the captain.

“It is Rosie’s turn this year,” remarked Grandma Elsie; “Rosie’s and Walter’s and mine.  I want all the young people of the connection—­and as many of the older ones as we can make room for—­to come to Ion for the Christmas holidays, or at least the greater part of them; we will settle particulars as to the time of coming and going, later on.  Captain, I want you and Violet and all your children for the whole time.”

“Thank you, mother; you are most kind, and I do not now see anything in the way of our acceptance of your invitation,” he said; but added with a playful look at Violet, “unless my wife should object.”

“If I should, mamma, you will receive my regrets in due season,” laughed Violet.

The faces of the children were beaming with delight, and their young voices united in a chorus of expressions of pleasure and thanks to Grandma Elsie.

“I am glad you are all pleased with the idea,” she said.  “We will try to provide as great a variety of amusements as possible, and shall be glad of any hints or suggestions from old or young in regard to anything new in that line.”

“We will all try to help you, mamma,” Violet said, “and not be jealous or envious if your party should far outshine ours of last year.”

“And we have more than a month to get ready in,” remarked Rosie with satisfaction.  “Oh I’m so glad mamma has decided on it in such good season!”