Don't you?"

"It is quite comfortable, I think; but the house-warming will be an
assembling of our relatives and friends to celebrate our coming into it,
by having a pleasant, social time with us."

"Oh, that will be nice!" she exclaimed. "How many are coming, papa? I
s'pose you've 'vited grandma Elsie and all the rest of the folks from
Ion, and all the folks at Fairview?"

"Yes, and from the Oaks, the Pines, the Laurels, Roselands, and
Ashlands; and we hope they will all come."

She gave him a wistful look.

"Well," he said with a smile, "what is it?"

"Papa, you know I 'most always have to go to bed at eight o'clock. I'd
like ever so much to stay up till nine to-night, if you are willing."

"If you will take a nap after dinner, you may," he replied in an
indulgent tone. "Max and Lulu may stay up later than usual if they will
do likewise."

They all accepted the condition with thanks, and at the conclusion of
the meal retired to their respective rooms to fulfil it.

Violet also, having not yet entirely recovered from the ill effects of
anxiety and nursing, consequent upon the baby's injury, retired to her
apartments to rest and sleep.