"Yes; copying the dear Master's own example," returned the old gentleman
with a smile. "The dear Master who should be our pattern in all things."

"Yes," said Herbert, low and feelingly, "that is what we both sincerely
desire to do."

It was still early when the callers bade good-night and took their
departure; the Lilburns going first, then the Raymonds, and lastly the
Lelands.

All met again the next day at Beechwood, where they were joined by the
other members of the family connexion and had a very pleasant afternoon,
mostly taken up with sports suited to the entertainment of the little
ones--three-year-old Ronald and his baby cousins.

The invitations had been sent out too late to allow time for the
purchase of many gifts, but there were fruits and flowers, and some few
toys; among these last, animals which ventriloquism caused apparently to
say very amusing things, to the surprise and merriment of the little
folks.

Then, when they began to tire of fun and frolic, they were seated about
a table under the trees on the lawn, and regaled with toothsome viands,
not too rich for their powers of digestion. After that they were allowed
to sport upon the verandas and the grass, while the elder people
gathered about the table and satisfied their appetites with somewhat
richer and more elaborate viands.

They had finished their meal and were gathered in groups under the trees