at our house to night on their way to London. You know William
Roscoe, Marten, and what a fine fellow he is and I have asked my father
and mother, and they have allowed me to get as many young ones together
as the short time would allow, and we are to have splendid fun. Won't
you come, Marten? I promise you a glorious time of it, if you will but
come."

[Illustration]

"My father is from home," replied Marten thoughtfully, "and so is my
mother, but I don't think that matters, Edward: they have never refused
my visiting you, and I do not think they would now. Indeed, I am sure
they would not, if they were at home, but what am I to do with Reuben? I
have taken charge of Reuben whilst mamma is away, and what can I do
about him?"

"About Reuben," returned Edward? "can't the servants take care of him at
home? he will do very well at home, and be very contented, I know."

"But I have undertaken the charge of him," said Marten, "and I should
not like, after what I have said, to leave him, even for a couple of
days. I must either bring him with me, Edward, or stay at home with
him--indeed, I must."

"Well, then, bring the little fellow," replied Edward kindly; "anything
so as you come, Marten; and remember there will be plenty of girls
invited, for Jane and Mary Roscoe, and Reuben can surely play with them,
and they will take care of him, no doubt. So bring him, by all means, if
that is the only hindrance; but still, I say, you would do better to
leave him at home with the servants; however, that's your business, not
mine. I reckon on you to-morrow, about eleven o'clock--to stay all
night, next day, and the night following, if you like; so good bye, till
then. I have half the country to ride over to beat up my recruits;" and
without waiting another word from his friend, Edward ran across the
meadow, snatched up his hat from where the faithful dog was carefully
guarding it, sprang upon his pony, and then once again leaping the
ditch, he cantered off at a pace so rapid, he was soon lost to Marten's
sight.

How pleased was Reuben to shew his brother that he had caught the doves,
and Marten was also pleased: for any how he need not distress himself
about them, as they were secured, but he thought it advisable to take
them under his own charge, as he considered he could hold them firmer
than the little one. And now the boys ran home as quickly as they could,
and the pretty birds were shut up in their aviary, and Marten hasten