together upon their Ion relatives; a not very unusual proceeding.

And scarcely were they seated when Mr. and Mrs. Leland and Evelyn were
seen coming up the drive, having walked over from Fairview, tempted to
do so by the beauty of the evening and the prospect of the pleasure of a
chat with the very near and dear dwellers in the old home at Ion, who
never seemed weary of their companionship, though scarcely a day passed
in which they had not more or less of it.

Nor was the communication with Woodburn much less frequent, though it
was farther away by a mile or more; for with their abundance of steeds
and conveyances of various sorts, it could be traversed with such ease,
expedition, and comfort that it seemed little or no inconvenience; the
short ride or drive was really a pleasure; though not infrequently it
was made a walk when roads were in good condition and the weather was
propitious.

The welcome of the Fairview party was not less cordial than had been
that of the others, and presently all were seated and a buzz of
conversation ensued.

The young girls made a little group by themselves and of course the
approaching wedding, with the preparations for it, was the principal
theme of their talk. Rosie, not caring to have secrets from these very
near and dear young friends, told of the letters received that morning
and the talk just held with Dr. Conly.

"Oh, that was noble in Cousin Arthur!" exclaimed Lucilla. "The Crolys
were very generous to him, to be sure, but not at all more so than he
deserved."