Shortly after the conclusion of the meal Mr. and Mrs. Dinsmore returned to Ion, while the others, some on horseback, the rest in the family carriage, went over to the Oaks to call upon the relatives there and consult with them on the arrangements for the wedding, particularly the dress of the bride and her attendants—­a subject of great interest to the ladies, especially such to the young girls, but one which the two gentlemen—­Captain Raymond and young Mr. Dinsmore—­were so entirely willing to leave to their decision that they presently excused themselves and walked out into the grounds, Mr. Dinsmore wishing to consult the captain in regard to some improvements that he had in contemplation.

Then Rosie announced her errand and gave her invitation to Maud and Sydney.  It was accepted promptly and with evident pleasure by both.  Then Rosie went on to speak of her idea of having the two little Elsies act as flower girls.

“My niece and my cousin, and both bearing mamma’s name; about the same size, too; would it not be pretty?” she asked, and received a chorus of approving replies.

“Oh, I’d like to!” cried Elsie Dinsmore, clapping her hands in delight.  “It’s ever so good in you, Cousin Rosie, to choose us! and I suppose we will be dressed alike, won’t we?”

“That is my idea,” said Rosie, “and I presume your mothers will not withhold their consent.”

“Oh, you will let us, mamma—­you and Cousin Vi—­won’t you?” cried the child, turning to them.

“I am entirely willing, if that suits Cousin Vi and her Elsie,” replied her mother.

“As it will, I am sure,” said Violet.

“Yes, mamma,” said her Elsie, “I shall like it, for I am sure you and the other ladies will choose a pretty dress for us.”

“Probably no prettier than some that you already own,” Violet returned with an amused look.  “Try not to think or care too much for dress, daughter; there are so many things which are much more important.”

“But it isn’t wrong to like to be tastefully dressed, is it, mamma?” asked the little girl with a slightly troubled look.

“No, I think not, dear,” returned her mother with a loving smile into the inquiring eyes; “if it were wrong to love pretty things, surely God would not have made so many for our eyes to look upon—­the beautiful flowers and fruits, the sunset clouds, the stars, to mention only a few—­but he—­our kind Heavenly Father—­loves to give us enjoyment.”

“And I do enjoy all the pretty things very much indeed, mamma,” responded the little girl with a look of relief and pleasure, “and I’m glad it isn’t wrong; I like to see pretty clothes on you and my sisters quite as much as on myself.  And don’t you think papa likes to have us all nicely dressed?”

“I am sure he does; and you may feel very certain that papa approves of nothing but what is right.”

“Those are exactly mine and my husband’s sentiments upon the subject in question,” remarked Mrs. Dinsmore in a lively tone.  “But now let us hear what those girls are talking about.”