"Your offer is a most kind one, Louise, and I accept it even without
waiting to consult with my daughter," Mr. Dinsmore said.

"Then I must go home at once, and set about my preparations immediately,"
she said, rising to take leave.

Arthur Conly as well as Edward Travilla had been a surprised but silent
listener to the short dialogue.

"Can you spare your mother, Arthur?" his uncle asked.

"We must, sir, if it pleases her to go, and for the sake of my two sweet
cousins--Elsie senior and Elsie junior--I willingly consent. You take the
night train I understand?" turning to Edward.

"Yes; to-night."

"I shall see that my mother is at the depôt in season;" and with that they
took their departure, Mr. Dinsmore saying, as he bade them adieu, that he
should ride over presently to see his father.

Turning toward Edward, he saw that the lad's eyes were following the
Roselands' carriage down the avenue, his face wearing a rueful look.

"Grandpa," he said with a sigh, "I see no necessity for Aunt Louise's
company, and, indeed, should very much prefer to be without it."

"You forget that you are speaking to your grandfather of his sister," Mr.
Dinsmore answered, with a touch of sternness in his tone.