and with a slight smile.

"You need not have the slightest fear on that score," was the quick,
earnest rejoinder.

"I for one," remarked the captain, "am not in the least fatigued, and if
the ladies are to be of the party, accept with pleasure and thanks."

"I also," said Donald, with a look at Violet which seemed to express a
hope that she was not intending to remain behind.

Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Travilla excused themselves from going on the plea
of fatigue from recent nursing of the sick and the long drive of the
morning, Elsie adding that her little convalescents ought hardly to be
deprived of mamma all day.

"Then we will take Vi," said Mr. Dinsmore, looking affectionately at her;
"she has shut herself up with those same convalescents all the morning and
needs air and exercise."

"Yes, papa," her mother said, "and I know she would enjoy a gallop on her
favorite pony. Cousin," turning to Donald, "we have both riding and
carriage horses at your and the captain's service; please do not hesitate
to express your preference."

They thanked her, and after a little more discussion it was arranged that
the whole party, including Harold and Herbert, should ride.

The horses were ordered at once and they set out very shortly after
leaving the table. Mr. Dinsmore and the captain headed the cavalcade,
Donald and Violet came next, riding side by side, and the two lads brought
up the rear.

Donald was well satisfied with the arrangement, and he and Vi found a
good deal of enjoyment in recalling the scenes, doings, and happenings of
the past summer; particularly of the weeks spent together on the New
Jersey coast.

Also Vi rehearsed to him Edward's account of Elsie's wedding and his
description of the suite of apartments he had had fitted up for their use.
Edward expected to spend the winter there, she said.

It was all very interesting to Donald. He thought Lester Leland a man to
be envied, yet perhaps less so than he who should secure for his own the
fair, sweet maiden riding by his side.

They passed a pleasant hour at Roselands, seeing all the family except the
invalid, then rode on to the Oaks, where they found a warm welcome and
most delightful and hospitable entertainment.

Then the return to Ion by moonlight was very enjoyable.

It was still early when they arrived; the two older ladies awaited them in
the parlor, and some time was spent in pleasant converse before retiring
for the night.

"I have not y