“You can assure us of a welcome at both places?” Donald said inquiringly and with a slight smile.

“You need not have the slightest fear on that score,” was the quick, earnest rejoinder.

“I for one,” remarked the captain, “am not in the least fatigued, and if the ladies are to be of the party, accept with pleasure and thanks.”

“I also,” said Donald, with a look at Violet which seemed to express a hope that she was not intending to remain behind.

Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Travilla excused themselves from going on the plea of fatigue from recent nursing of the sick and the long drive of the morning, Elsie adding that her little convalescents ought hardly to be deprived of mamma all day.

“Then we will take Vi,” said Mr. Dinsmore, looking affectionately at her; “she has shut herself up with those same convalescents all the morning and needs air and exercise.”

“Yes, papa,” her mother said, “and I know she would enjoy a gallop on her favorite pony.  Cousin,” turning to Donald, “we have both riding and carriage horses at your and the captain’s service; please do not hesitate to express your preference.”

They thanked her, and after a little more discussion it was arranged that the whole party, including Harold and Herbert, should ride.

The horses were ordered at once and they set out very shortly after leaving the table.  Mr. Dinsmore and the captain headed the cavalcade, Donald and Violet came next, riding side by side, and the two lads brought up the rear.

Donald was well satisfied with the arrangement, and he and Vi found a good deal of enjoyment in recalling the scenes, doings, and happenings of the past summer; particularly of the weeks spent together on the New Jersey coast.

Also Vi rehearsed to him Edward’s account of Elsie’s wedding and his description of the suite of apartments he had had fitted up for their use.  Edward expected to spend the winter there, she said.

It was all very interesting to Donald.  He thought Lester Leland a man to be envied, yet perhaps less so than he who should secure for his own the fair, sweet maiden riding by his side.

They passed a pleasant hour at Roselands, seeing all the family except the invalid, then rode on to the Oaks, where they found a warm welcome and most delightful and hospitable entertainment.

Then the return to Ion by moonlight was very enjoyable.

It was still early when they arrived; the two older ladies awaited them in the parlor, and some time was spent in pleasant converse before retiring for the night.

“I have not yet had the pleasure of seeing my little favorites, Rosie and Walter, Cousin Elsie,” remarked Donald.

“No,” she said, “and they are very eager for an interview with you.  They are in bed now, but I hope they will be well enough to join us at breakfast to-morrow.”

“They have been quite sick?”