r, with
Cousin Helen married and the boys all away.

"Why, Ikey and Cousin Helen are going to the same place!" exclaimed
Louise, "and we are going to see her, so we'll see him too." Here was
a gleam of brightness, and Carl added, "And of course when you get to
be a doctor you will come back to practise in Bess's hospital."

When letters came from his mother and father, telling more fully their
plans, and overflowing with the pleasure of being all together again,
Ikey would not have been his warm-hearted self if he had not been
glad. Dear as were the friendships which he had made in the three
years spent at his grandfather's, family ties were stronger.

Old Mr. Ford said he did not know what he should do without his
grandson, and talked seriously of accepting his son's invitation to
try a winter in California.

It was finally arranged that Ikey should meet his parents in New York
sometime about the middle of July, and as that was more than two
months distant, and the present full of interesting events, as Louise
expressed it, he put aside his disappointment and was as merry as
ever.

CHAPTER XXV.

AUNT ZELIE.

The interesting events were, first, the school commencements, and, the
week after, Cousin Helen's wedding.

This last, which was a grand affair, took place at her country home.
The ceremony was performed on the lawn, under the big forest trees,
and Bess and Louise made two charming and happy bridesmaids, quite
worthy of such a lovely bride.

The ten were all invited, for Miss Hazeltine took a deep interest in
the Order of the Big Front Door, and said she meant to start something
of the kind in her new home. There never was such a beautiful wedding,
these young people thought, and they were not alone in their opinion.

The sweet summer day, the blue sky, the trees and grass, and the gay
company, all made a lasting impression on the guests.

The bride would have no formality, but moved about among her friends
as if it were simply a garden party.

"Do you know what this reminds me of?" Bess asked Louise, as they sat
on the grass with the other girls, waiting for the boys to bring them
some ices.

"No, what?"

"Why, Lucie Carleton's wedding, to be sure; you haven't forgotten
that?" They both laughed at the recollection.

"Of course I haven't. What fun it was, and how long it is since we
have played 'the Carletons'!"

"What is the joke?" inquired Jim, coming back with his hands full.

"Oh