"Thank you; I should enjoy doing so, but duty calls in another
direction, a sick patient needing prompt attention. Good-evening to you
all"; and, turning with the last words, he drove away.

"So, Rosie, you are likely soon to be able to make the acquaintance of
your future mother-in-law," said Violet. "But you don't seem alarmed at
the prospect."

"No; because I am not. From all Will has told me I think she must be a
lovely and lovable woman; as he thinks his future mother-in-law is."

"And as all to whom she bears that relation can testify," remarked the
captain with an affectionate, appreciative glance at the sweet face of
Grandma Elsie.

"I, for one," said Mr. Leland heartily; "and I feel entirely sure of
Zoe, the only other one to whom she bears that relationship."

"You are all very kind, very ready to pass my imperfections by,"
responded Mrs. Travilla's sweet voice. "And if I am a good mother, I can
assure you that it is at least partly as a a consequence of having good
sons and daughters."

"May you always be able to say that, mother," responded the captain
heartily. "It would be a sorry sort of man or woman who could be any
other than a good son or daughter to you."

"Oh, Lu!" said Evelyn presently, "didn't you tell me you were going into
the city to-morrow to do some shopping?"