“Oh, that is good!” cried Rosie.  “Now I shall be able to send my reply by to-morrow’s early mail.”

“Yes, Cousin Arthur was very kindly prompt; as indeed he always is,” said her mother.

“Quite true, mother,” said Harold; “and Herbert and I try to copy him in that, feeling that it is very necessary in a physician to be ready, able, and willing to answer a call for his services with expedition.”

“That it is, laddie,” responded Cousin Ronald, “for a life sometimes depends on getting quick help frae the doctor.  The life of a faithfu’ medical mon is one of toil and self-denial; a fact that has made me wonder that you and your Cousin Herbert, here, chose it rather than a vocation that wad be somewhat easier.”

“It is a hard life in some respects,” Harold answered; “but there is something very delightful in having and using the ability to relieve suffering, and surely one who professes to be a follower of Christ should be seeking to do good to others rather than courting his own ease and enjoyment.”

“Yes; copying the dear Master’s own example,” returned the old gentleman with a smile.  “The dear Master who should be our pattern in all things.”

“Yes,” said Herbert, low and feelingly, “that is what we both sincerely desire to do.”

It was still early when the callers bade good-night and took their departure; the Lilburns going first, then the Raymonds, and lastly the Lelands.

All met again the next day at Beechwood, where they were joined by the other members of the family connexion and had a very pleasant afternoon, mostly taken up with sports suited to the entertainment of the little ones—­three-year-old Ronald and his baby cousins.

The invitations had been sent out too late to allow time for the purchase of many gifts, but there were fruits and flowers, and some few toys; among these last, animals which ventriloquism caused apparently to say very amusing things, to the surprise and merriment of the little folks.

Then, when they began to tire of fun and frolic, they were seated about a table under the trees on the lawn, and regaled with toothsome viands, not too rich for their powers of digestion.  After that they were allowed to sport upon the verandas and the grass, while the elder people gathered about the table and satisfied their appetites with somewhat richer and more elaborate viands.

They had finished their meal and were gathered in groups under the trees or on the verandas, when the sound of a banjo caused a sudden hush of expectancy.  Glances were sent here and there in search of the musician, yet no one was greatly surprised that he was not visible.  Several tunes were played; then followed a song in the negro dialect, which made everybody laugh.

That was the winding up of the entertainment, and, as it was nearing the bedtime of the little ones, all presently bade good-bye, with truthful assurances of having greatly enjoyed themselves, and returned to their homes.