"Yes," said Mr. Lilburn. "Come as early as you please, bringing all the
little folks as the guests of our bit laddie. We will have an early
supper for their sakes, and after that the parents can carry them home
and see them in their nests as early as they like."

"And both parents and little folks may stay as late as they like," added
Annis with a smile.

"Yes," said her husband, "each and every guest may feel free to do
that."

"I hope you are not too busy to come, Rosie?" said Annis, turning to
her.

"Thank you, no; I should not like to miss the fun of attending little
Ronald's birthday party," returned Rosie in a sprightly tone, "and you
must be sure to bring him to the party I am to have some weeks later."

"That, of course, will have to be as his father and mother say," laughed
Annis.

"Well, he shall not lack an invitation," said Rosie. "I do not intend
that any of my relatives shall. By the way, I hope your nephew, Cousin
Donald Keith, will be able to get a furlough, so that he can come. He
has visited us several times, here and at the seashore, and I like him
very much indeed."

"Yes, so do I," said Annis, "and I hope he may be able to come. I should
enjoy showing him my new home and entertaining him there."