wife, and from her and Cousin Cal, and sent it by the early morning
mail. I presume they will be received by the Crolys to-morrow and that
two or three days later the reply will come."

"I think it can hardly fail to be an acceptance," said Violet. "I shall
be glad of the opportunity to make the acquaintance of Rosie's future
mother-in-law,--the father-in-law too,--and I dare say Will is anxious
to have them know mamma, and perhaps the rest of us."

"And, having done so they will be all the more pleased with the match,"
added the captain. "By the way, my dear, we must keep open house for the
entertainment of family connections when they are here to attend the
wedding."

"I am entirely willing," Violet answered with a smile; "as well I may be
when my husband bears all the expense and does the planning, with the
housekeeper's assistance, and she directs the servants, who do all the
work. Really I do not know where a more fortunate woman than I can be
found."

"Nor I where a more appreciative wife could be discovered," returned the
captain, regarding her with a smile of profound affection.

"I hope Captain Keith will be one of our guests," said Grace. "I liked
him very much when he visited us that time at the seashore. Didn't you,
Lu?"

As the question was asked the captain turned a quick, inquiring look
upon his eldest daughter, which, however, she did not seem to notice.