table and all agreed that there could be no better way of
celebrating that most important event."

"It certainly is a delightful time of year for an outdoor party in this
region of country," remarked Mrs. Dinsmore, "and I, for one, accept the
invitation with pleasure."

"As I do," said her husband.

"And I!" "And I!" "And I!" added the others in turn.

The young girls were highly pleased: it was by no means their first
invitation to Beechwood, and they felt sure of being hospitably and well
entertained. Ella, Hugh's wife, had been mistress of the mansion before
the marriage of the old gentleman and Annis, and so continued to be,
with Annis' full consent, but there was no jarring between them; they
were congenial spirits, and enjoyed each other's society. Ella was fond
of the old gentleman, too,--the only father she had ever known,--and her
little ones, Ronald and his baby sister, were to all a strong bond of
union.

"It is to be an afternoon party, I suppose?" remarked Mrs. Dinsmore in a
tone of inquiry.

"Yes," said Mr. Lilburn. "Come as early as you please, bringing all the
little folks as the guests of our bit laddie. We will have an early
supper for their sakes, and after that the parents can carry them home
and see them in their nests as early as they like."

"And both parents and little folks may stay as late as they like," added
Annis with a smile.

"Yes," said her husband, "each and every guest may feel free to do
that."

"I hope you are not too busy to come, Rosie?" said Annis, turning to
her.

"Thank you, no; I should not like to miss the fun of attending little
Ronald's birthday party," returned Rosie in a sprightly tone, "and you
must be sure to bring him to the party I am to have some weeks later."

"That, of course, will have to be as his father and mother say," laughed
Annis.

"Well, he shall not lack an invitation," said Rosie. "I do not intend
that any of my relatives shall. By the way, I hope your nephew, Cousin
Donald Keith, will be able to get a furlough, so that he can come. He
has visited us several times, here and at the seashore, and I like him
very much indeed."

"Yes, so do I," said Annis, "and I hope he may be able to come. I should
enjoy showing him my new home and entertaining him there."

"He will be in demand if he comes," said Captain Raymond. "I shall want
him as my guest; for he and I are old attached friends."

"Ah, yes, I remember," said Annis. "No doubt he will w