s, and
order other things sent for?"

"What do you say to that, mamma?" asked Rosie.

"I see no objection to it," replied Grandma Elsie. "But we will consult
the captain in regard to that matter," she added, as at that moment he
and her brother came in.

"Ah! upon what is my valuable opinion desired, mother?" he asked in
playful tones; then, in response to the explanation given, said that he
thought it a very good plan, as it would surely do no harm to begin
needed preparations promptly.

"Then, papa, won't you excuse Gracie and me from lessons for the next
few days?" asked Lucilla.

"I will; you may consider the remainder of the week a holiday," he
replied.

"For Ned and me too, papa?" asked Elsie.

"Yes; if you think you can assist in the shopping."

"I should like to help choose my own things if you and mamma are
willing," she said with a persuasive look from one to the other.

"I think you will be allowed a voice in the selection," he replied,
patting her cheek as she leaned upon his knee, looking up affectionately
and pleadingly into his face.

"Yes," said Violet, "and I am sure we shall be able to find dress goods
and whatever else is needed, that will suit all three of us."

"And it will be four days' holiday we'll have," remarked Ned with
satisfaction.

"You are planning to have your wedding a good deal after the pattern of
Cousin Betty's, Rosie," remarked Mrs. Dinsmore.

"Yes; in some respects, for I thought it a very pretty wedding; but that
ceremony took place in the church, while I mean to be married at home;
also there will probably be a difference in the number of attendants and
their dress," replied Rosie. "And by the way, mamma," she added, turning
to her mother, "we must send Betty an invitation in good season for her
to arrange matters so that she can come to my wedding. I was one of her
bridesmaids, you remember, and should be sorry indeed to neglect her at
this time."

"She shall not be forgotten, daughter," was Grandma Elsie's ready
response; "we will shortly make out a list of those you wish to invite,
that none may be forgotten or overlooked."

"Yes, mamma; if our list contains only relatives and very intimate
friends we will be quite a large party, should all accept."

"Now about to-morrow's shopping," said Sydney. "We need to settle when
we will set out on our expedition, where we will meet, or whether we
will divide our forces and each division decide questions of taste and