through the whole morning, managing their return so that Ion was reached
only a few minutes before the dinner hour.

Ion was a sort of headquarters for the entire connection, and everybody
seemed to feel perfectly at home. Grandma Elsie was a most hospitable
hostess, and it was a very cheerful, jovial party that surrounded her
well-spread table that day.

After dinner, while the older people conversed together in the parlors,
the younger ones wandered at will through the house.

The girls were together in a small reception-room, chatting about such
matters as particularly interested them--their studies, sports, plans
for the purchase or making of Christmas gifts, and what they hoped or
desired to receive. "I want jewelry," said Sidney Dinsmore. "I'd rather
have that than anything else. But it must be handsome: a diamond pin or
ring, or ear-rings."

"Mamma says diamonds are quite unsuitable for young girls," said Rosie.
"So I prefer pearls: and I'm rather in hopes she may give me some for
Christmas."

"I'd rather have diamonds anyhow," persisted Sydney. "See Maud's new
ring, just sent her by a rich old aunt of ours. I'm sure it looks lovely
on her finger and shows off the beauty of her hand."

"Yes, I've been admiring it," said Lulu, "and I thought I'd never seen
it before."

Maud held out her hand with, evident pride and satisfaction, while the