or on the verandas, when the sound of a banjo caused a sudden hush of
expectancy. Glances were sent here and there in search of the musician,
yet no one was greatly surprised that he was not visible. Several tunes
were played; then followed a song in the negro dialect, which made
everybody laugh.

That was the winding up of the entertainment, and, as it was nearing the
bedtime of the little ones, all presently bade good-bye, with truthful
assurances of having greatly enjoyed themselves, and returned to their
homes.




CHAPTER IX.


The Woodburn carriage was quite full with the captain and his entire
family, excepting, of course, his eldest son, Max, who was far away on
board a man-of-war.

"Well," said Violet, as they drove out of Beechwood Avenue into the
highway, "I have enjoyed little Ronald's birthday party very much, and
hope you can all say the same."

"Oh, yes, mamma! I think we had good fun," exclaimed Neddie. "To be sure
Ronald is only a baby boy--just about half as old as I am--but he's a
very dear little fellow; and then his grandpa made a great deal of fun
for us."