ther upon the veranda. Various places were
talked of, various plans discussed, but nothing could be fully decided
upon without consultation with the other near relatives who might
decide to be of the party.

"Hello! here comes Doctor Herbert," exclaimed Walter, as a doctor's gig
turned in at the great gates and came driving rapidly up to the house.

"What is it, Doc?" springing up and hastening down the steps as the gig
halted before them.

"A letter for mother," answered Herbert, handing it to Walter as he
spoke. "Good-morning, mother, and all of you. You are looking well and
have no need of a doctor, I suppose?"

"Yes, we want a call from that one," said Violet. "Come in, won't you,
if it is for only five minutes?"

"Well, yes; since you are so urgent and I know of no urgent call for my
services elsewhere," answered Herbert, suiting the action to the word.

"Good-morning, my son," was his mother's smiling salutation, as he bent
down to give her an affectionate caress. "I suppose you want to hear
what Rosie has to say. I will just glance over her letter, then read
aloud whatever I think she would deem suitable for you all to hear."

It was a pleasant, cheerful letter; all seemed to be going right with
the young couple, they very happy in each other. They were at Niagara
Falls, expecting soon to leave there for some place on the Hudson, and
afterward to visit the seashore; but their plans were not yet definitely
arranged; nor would they be until Will's parents and Rosie's home
friends, intending to go North for the summer, were heard from in regard
to their plans and purposes.

"Well," said Herbert, when the reading of the letter was concluded, "I
think we will have to hold a family council, taking in the Crolys, and
decide those momentous questions. Right quickly, too, for the weather is
growing very warm, and if you all stay here our firm may have too much
to do."

"I think you are right, doctor," said the captain, "and lest you and
Harold and Arthur should be overworked, I intend to see that that
council is held promptly."

"Well, captain, suppose we appoint this evening as the time, and
Roselands as the place, as the Crolys are there, and not so able as the
rest of us to go about from place to place."

"That seems a very good plan," said his mother, "but I think it will not
be necessary for us all to attend. I prefer to leave the decision with
the gentlemen of our party. Can you go, Herbert?"

"To the