e. I shall be much pleased to have them all do so."

The message went the rounds, everybody accepted the invitation, and
Elsie's orders for the day to cook and housekeeper, were given
accordingly.

The Woodburn party arrived in high spirits, a sleigh, containing the
Fairview family, driving up at the same time. They had room for one more
and wanted "mamma" to occupy it; but the captain and Violet would not
resign their claim, and Evelyn and Lulu showed a strong desire to be
together; so the former was transferred to the Woodburn sleigh, and Zoe
and Edward took the vacant seats in that from Fairview.

The two vehicles kept near together, their occupants, the children
especially, were very gay and lively. They talked of last year's holiday
sports, and indulged in pleasing anticipations in regard to what might
be in store for them in those now drawing near.

"We had a fine time at the Oaks, hadn't we, girls?" said Max, addressing
Evelyn and Rosie.

"Yes," they replied, "but a still better one at Woodburn."

"When are you and Lu going to invite us again?" asked Rosie.

"When papa gives permission," answered Max, sending a smiling,
persuasive glance in his father's direction.

"It is quite possible you may not have very long to wait for that, Max,"
was the kindly indulgent rejoinder from the captain.

"It is Rosie's turn this year," remarked Grandma Elsie; "Rosie's and
Walter's and mine. I want all the young people of the connection--and as
many of the older ones as we can make room for--to come to Ion for the
Christmas holidays, or at least the greater part of them; we will settle
particulars as to the time of coming and going, later on. Captain, I
want you and Violet and all your children for the whole time."

"Thank you, mother; you are most kind, and I do not now see anything in
the way of our acceptance of your invitation," he said; but added with a
playful look at Violet, "unless my wife should object."

"If I should, mamma, you will receive my regrets in due season," laughed
Violet.

The faces of the children were beaming with delight, and their young
voices united in a chorus of expressions of pleasure and thanks to
Grandma Elsie.

"I am glad you are all pleased with the idea," she said. "We will try to
provide as great a variety of amusements as possible, and shall be glad
of any hints or suggestions from old or young in regard to anything new
in that line."

"We will all try to help you, mamma," Vi