company of my early bird of a daughter," he said. "I should miss her
sadly."

Lucilla's eyes shone. "Thank you, papa! it is very nice in you to say
that," she said, "and I dearly love those early walks with you."




CHAPTER XI.


In less than a week after the Crolys had signified their intention of
accepting the invitation to Roselands the news of their safe arrival was
communicated to the family at Ion, and as soon as the doctor thought
Mrs. Croly sufficiently rested to see visitors, Grandma Elsie and Rosie
called upon them there.

They were mutually pleased--Mrs. Croly delighted with the prospect of
having so charming a daughter as Rosie.

And now preparations for the wedding went on rapidly, the bride-elect,
and those who were to be her attendants, being particularly interested
in regard to their attire for the great occasion, and keeping the
dressmakers very busy in fashioning their finery.

Then, as the time drew near, relatives and friends from a distance began
to arrive.

To the great joy of Mrs. Calhoun Conly her parents were among the