“And I am not?  Ah, well! perhaps it is fortunate for me that the decision rest with mamma and grandpa.”

“So you, too, are in haste?” queried the captain, regarding her with a look of amusement.

“Not at all,” she returned, drawing herself up with an air of pretended indignation.  “Who would be in haste to leave such a home and mother as mine?  If I consulted only my own feelings I should be more than willing to wait another year.”

“Then why not decide to do so?” he asked with a quizzical look.

“Because I really have some regard for the wishes of my betrothed.”

“And it makes it hard for you that the different ones you love cannot agree so that you might please them all,” remarked Grace, then exclaimed, “Ah, here comes grandpa!” as at that moment the Ion carriage turned in at the great gates.

Mr. Dinsmore seldom let a day pass without a more or less extended interview with his eldest daughter, and had now come for a call at Woodburn, bringing his wife with him.

When the usual greetings had been exchanged the subject of Rosie’s approaching marriage and the letter from Mr. Croly, urging that it take place speedily, were introduced, and after some discussion it was decided to let him have his own way.  The day was not fixed upon any farther than that it should be near the end of the month of June, and with that Rosie seemed satisfied.

“Now, mamma,” she said, “I think we may go on and discuss minor details, such as dresses and ornaments for bride and attendants.”

“Very well, daughter; you may give us your views on the subject.  You will want your own dress of some rich white material, I suppose?”

“Yes, mamma; of Bengaline silk, richly trimmed with lace; and I must have a veil and orange blossoms; also a bouquet of bride roses and smilax.  Lu and Grace, you will want white silk dresses, won’t you?”

“Yes,” they replied.  “And bouquets of white flowers,” added Lucilla.

“Oh, papa, you will let me act as one of the bridesmaids, will you not?” asked Grace, turning to him.

“I have no objection,” he replied.  “You may both serve, since Rosie wishes it and I see you are pleased with the idea.  As for the matter of dress you may settle that for yourselves.”

“Oh, thank you, sir!” both exclaimed joyously, Grace adding, “But won’t you please tell us, papa, just how much we may spend?”

“Any amount which your mamma and Grandma Elsie do not consider too great,” he replied in an indulgent tone.  “However, I think I should not hesitate to leave that matter to the judgment of my daughters themselves; for I know that neither of you is inclined to be at all extravagant.”

“No, indeed,” said Violet, “they are always very careful to make sure that papa is able to afford them what they want.”

“It would be strange if we weren’t, Mamma Vi,” said Lucilla with a happy laugh, “for we know that papa loves us so dearly that he would go without things himself any time rather than deny us anything desirable.”