“I see no objection to it,” replied Grandma Elsie.  “But we will consult the captain in regard to that matter,” she added, as at that moment he and her brother came in.

“Ah! upon what is my valuable opinion desired, mother?” he asked in playful tones; then, in response to the explanation given, said that he thought it a very good plan, as it would surely do no harm to begin needed preparations promptly.

“Then, papa, won’t you excuse Gracie and me from lessons for the next few days?” asked Lucilla.

“I will; you may consider the remainder of the week a holiday,” he replied.

“For Ned and me too, papa?” asked Elsie.

“Yes; if you think you can assist in the shopping.”

“I should like to help choose my own things if you and mamma are willing,” she said with a persuasive look from one to the other.

“I think you will be allowed a voice in the selection,” he replied, patting her cheek as she leaned upon his knee, looking up affectionately and pleadingly into his face.

“Yes,” said Violet, “and I am sure we shall be able to find dress goods and whatever else is needed, that will suit all three of us.”

“And it will be four days’ holiday we’ll have,” remarked Ned with satisfaction.

“You are planning to have your wedding a good deal after the pattern of Cousin Betty’s, Rosie,” remarked Mrs. Dinsmore.

“Yes; in some respects, for I thought it a very pretty wedding; but that ceremony took place in the church, while I mean to be married at home; also there will probably be a difference in the number of attendants and their dress,” replied Rosie.  “And by the way, mamma,” she added, turning to her mother, “we must send Betty an invitation in good season for her to arrange matters so that she can come to my wedding.  I was one of her bridesmaids, you remember, and should be sorry indeed to neglect her at this time.”

“She shall not be forgotten, daughter,” was Grandma Elsie’s ready response; “we will shortly make out a list of those you wish to invite, that none may be forgotten or overlooked.”

“Yes, mamma; if our list contains only relatives and very intimate friends we will be quite a large party, should all accept.”

“Now about to-morrow’s shopping,” said Sydney.  “We need to settle when we will set out on our expedition, where we will meet, or whether we will divide our forces and each division decide questions of taste and expense independently of the others.”

“As there are so many of us I think the latter plan would be the better one,” said Grandma Elsie.

“And as regards dress goods, we can secure samples and hold a consultation over them before making the purchases,” said Violet; adding with a smiling glance at her Elsie, “that will be only fair where two or more are to be dressed alike.”

“I like that plan, mamma,” said the little girl, “and I do intend to be satisfied with whatever you and papa choose for me.”