ers more at their ease than they would otherwise have
been.

They had not been long in the room ere they learned that the special
object of the visit was to invite them and Max to the Oaks, to spend the
greater part of Christmas week.

"It is to be a young people's party, you must all understand," said
Maud, who seemed to be the chief speaker, "and so the captain and cousin
Vi are not invited: not that cousin Vi is not young, you know, for she
is that; but there are to be no married folks asked.

"There is to be the usual Christmas-eve party at Ion for all the family
connection, Christmas-tree and all that, and the grand dinner-party on
Christmas Day; then all the boys and girls of the connection are invited
to the Oaks to stay till the next Saturday evening.

"We hope, cousin Vi, that Max and his sisters may come?"

"If it depended upon me," returned Violet pleasantly, "I presume I
should say yes; but of course it will have to be as their father says."

"Oh, yes! certainly. Is he in?"

"No, and I fear he will not be for an hour or two; but if you will stay
to tea, you will be pretty sure to see him."

The invitation was declined with thanks; "they had other calls to make,
and must be going presently:" but they sat for some minutes longer, the
whole four joining in an animated description of various diversions
planned for the entertainment of their expected guests, and repeating
again and again that they hoped Max and his sisters would be permitted
to come.

"I do wish papa may let us go!" cried Lulu, the moment the visitors had
departed. "I'm sure it will be perfectly delightful!"

"So do I," said Max. "Mamma Vi, do you think papa will consent?"

"I really cannot say, Max," she answered doubtfully. "Do you want to go,
too, Gracie?" drawing the child to her side, and softly smoothing her
hair.

"Yes, mamma, if--if I could have you or papa there with me. I don't want
to go very much 'less one of you goes too."

"And you are such a delicate little darling, that I hardly think your
papa will feel willing to have you go, without either of us along to
take care of you."

"I can take perfectly good care of Gracie, mamma Vi," asserted Lulu
with dignity.

"Here comes papa," cried Max, as a step was heard in the hall.

Then the door opened, and the captain came in.

"We've had an invitation, papa, and hope you will let us accept it," Max
said, coming eagerly forward.

"O papa! please, please do!" cried Lul