“I incline to think Captain Raymond will agree with her,” said Edward.

“I never saw so young a baby,” remarked Zoe.  “How old is she, mamma?”

“A week to-day.”

“I’m tempted to break the tenth commandment,” said Zoe, leaning over the babe and touching her lips to its velvet cheek.  “I used to be very fond of dolls, and a live one would be so nice.  I almost wish it was mine.”

“Don’t forget that you would be only half owner if it was,” said Edward laughing.  “But come now, my dear, it is time we were attending to the duties of the toilet.  The tea-bell will ring directly.”

“Well, I’ll always want to share everything I have with you,” she said.  “Mamma,” rising and putting her hand into her husband’s, “we’ve had such a nice time!  Ned has been so good and kind to me!”

“And she has been the best and dearest of little wives,” he said, returning the look of fond affection she had bent upon him, “so we could not fail to enjoy ourselves hugely.”

“I am rejoiced to hear it,” Elsie said, looking after them with glad tears in her eyes as they left the room together.

* * * * *

The children were enjoying themselves greatly at the Oaks.  Horace Dinsmore, Jr., and his young wife made a very pleasant host and hostess.  Horace’s reminiscences of his own childhood and his sister Elsie’s girlhood in this, her old home, were very interesting, not to Rosie and Walter only, but to the others.

They were shown her suite of rooms, the exact spot in the drawing-room where she stood during the ceremony that united her to Mr. Travilla, and the arbor—­still called Elsie’s arbor—­where he offered himself and was accepted.

They had an equally pleasant visit at the Laurels, whither they went directly from the Oaks, Gracie wondering why she was not permitted to go to see mamma first for a while, and grieving over it for a time.

They were not told what had taken place in their absence, until the day of their return to Ion.

Mrs. Dinsmore had driven over for them, and after an hour’s chat with her daughter, Mrs. Lacey, sent for the children, who were amusing themselves in the grounds.

“O grandma, good-morning!  Did you come to take us home?” cried Rosie, as she came running in, put her arms about Mrs. Dinsmore’s neck, and held up her face for a kiss.

“Yes, dear child, and to bring you some news.  Good-morning, Max, Lulu, Gracie, Walter—­all of you—­there’s a little stranger at Ion.”

“A little stranger!” was the simultaneous exclamation from all five, Max adding, “What sort?” and Rosie, “Where from?”

“A very sweet, pretty little creature, I think; a little girl from ’No Man’s Land,’” was the smiling reply.  “A new little sister for you, Max, Lulu, and Gracie, a niece for Rosie and Walter.”

Max looked pleased, though slightly puzzled, too; Gracie’s eyes shone, and the pink flush deepened on her cheeks, as she asked delightedly, “Is it a baby?  Mamma’s baby?” but Lulu frowned and was silent.