expense independently of the others."

"As there are so many of us I think the latter plan would be the better
one," said Grandma Elsie.

"And as regards dress goods, we can secure samples and hold a
consultation over them before making the purchases," said Violet; adding
with a smiling glance at her Elsie, "that will be only fair where two or
more are to be dressed alike."

"I like that plan, mamma," said the little girl, "and I do intend to be
satisfied with whatever you and papa choose for me."

"With some help from my mamma and me," said the other Elsie in a tone
that seemed to imply some fear that their choice might not be altogether
to her taste.

"Tut! tut!" said her father. "You need not be in the least afraid that
such good judges will fail to select as handsome and suitable material
as could be desired."

"But please, Uncle Horace, let her have a vote on the question," said
Violet pleasantly. "There may be several pieces of goods of the chosen
colour, equally desirable; nor is it necessary that the two dresses
should be off the same piece; only that they match in colour."

"And I feel sure there will be no difficulty in settling upon which will
be satisfactory to all parties," added Mrs. Dinsmore.

With a little more chat all the arrangements for the morrow's shopping
expedition were concluded. Then the Woodburn party bade good-bye and
returned to their home.

CHAPTER VI.

The weather the next morning proved all that could be desired, and the
shopping expedition a grand success--everybody being not only satisfied
but charmed with the results.

Mrs. Travilla and Rosie returned to Ion that evening, but scarcely a day
passed while the preparations for the wedding were going on, without
more or less interchange of visits among the young people of that place,
Woodburn, Fairview, and the Oaks and Pinegrove.

Naturally the deepest interest was felt and shown by the ladies and
young girls, but brothers and cousins were by no means indifferent.
Harold and Herbert, though well pleased with the idea of taking their
friend Croly into the family, were loath to part with Rosie, their
youngest and only single sister, the only one now left in the Ion
family. She had always been somewhat of a pet with them, and during
these last weeks of her life with them they treated her as one for whom
they could not do enough; while her manner toward them showed full
appreciation of their kindness and affection. Mu