"Certainly," said his grandfather, "and we'll attend to it the first
thing on leaving the table."

Everybody was interested, and presently all were gathered about the
telephone, while Edward, acting as spokesman of the party, called to
first one and then another of the households nearly related to
themselves.

The answers came promptly, and it was soon evident that all were
intending to avail themselves of the somewhat rare opportunity offered
by the snow and ice covered roads, none planning to stay at home to
receive calls. They would all visit Ion if the ladies there were likely
to be in.

"Tell them," said Grandma Elsie, "to take their drives this morning,
come to Ion in time for dinner, and spend the rest of the day and
evening here. I shall be much pleased to have them all do so."

The message went the rounds, everybody accepted the invitation, and
Elsie's orders for the day to cook and housekeeper, were given
accordingly.

The Woodburn party arrived in high spirits, a sleigh, containing the
Fairview family, driving up at the same time. They had room for one more
and wanted "mamma" to occupy it; but the captain and Violet would not
resign their claim, and Evelyn and Lulu showed a strong desire to be
together; so the former was transferred to the Woodburn sleigh, and Zoe
and Edward took the vacant seats in that from Fairview.

The two vehicles kept near together, their occupants, the children