all glad to see you as friend and guest,
though fortunately not in need of your professional services at present.
I hope the demands of other patients are not so pressing that we may not
keep you here till after dinner."

"Thank you, but I can stay for only a hasty call," replied the doctor,
alighting and shaking hands with one after another as they crowded about
him.

"You look like the bringer of good news, cousin," said Grandma Elsie,
regarding him with a pleased smile.

"Yes," he said, "I feel myself a very fortunate and happy man to-day,
and have come to tell my news and ask the sympathy and congratulations
of you my relatives and friends. My Marian and I have a son--a fine
healthy babe, now some hours old--mother and child are doing as well as
possible."

The congratulations were poured forth without stint. Then Mr. Dinsmore
asked, "What do you propose to call the lad?"

"Ronald. It is Marian's choice and I am well content, for it is a good
name, and I highly esteem the dear old cousin who has showed such
kindness to the mother."

"Yes, he is worthy of it," said Grandma Elsie. "I have always felt proud
to own him as my kinsman."

"And Ronald and Conly go well together, making a very pretty name, to my
thinking," said Rosie.

"Have they heard the news at Beechwood yet?" asked Lucilla.

"I think not," replied the doctor; "but I shall take it in my way home,
as it will make the drive only a little longer and I need delay there
but a moment." Then with a hasty adieu he took his departure.

"Art is a very happy man to-day," Mr. Dinsmore remarked with a pleased
smile, as they watched the doctor's gig on its way down the drive.

"Yes; I know of no one more worthy of happiness, and it does me good to
see it," said the captain.

"And no doubt dear Marian's heart is overflowing with love and
gratitude," said Grandma Elsie in low, soft tones. "I quite want to see
her and her new treasure."

"Both she and Art will be very proud to show it to their friends and
relatives," remarked Violet with a smile, "though he will be careful not
to admit even relatives for some days yet. He is very kind and careful
as both husband and physician."

"Yes," said Rosie; "he will take excellent care of Marian and have her
well in time to attend the wedding, I hope."

"I think we can manage that, daughter, as we have not fixed upon the
day," her mother said with playful look and tone.

"Oh, yes, mamma! and I do intend it to b