and stay for Thanksgiving. After that the "Natchitoches" was to sail for
an eighteen months' cruise to China and Japan; and then Ned would probably
have two years ashore at the Torpedo Station or Naval Academy or
somewhere, and they would start a little home for themselves.

"Meantime," wrote Katy, "I am coming to spend a year and a half with you,
if urged. Don't all speak at once, and don't mind saying so, if you don't
want me."

The bitter drop in this pleasant intelligence--there generally is one, you
know--was that the fortnight of Ned's stay was to be spent at Mrs. Ashe's.
"It's her only chance to see Ned," said Katy; "so I know you won't mind,
for afterward you will have me for such a long visit."

But they _did_ mind very much!

"I don't think it's fair," cried Johnnie, hotly, while Clover and Elsie
exchanged disgusted looks; "Katy belongs to us."

"Katy belongs to her husband, on the contrary," said Dr. Carr,
overhearing her; "you must learn that lesson once for all, children.
There's no escape from the melancholy fact; and it's quite right and
natural that Ned should wish to go to his sister, and she should want to
have him."

"Ned! yes. But Katy--"

"My dear, Katy _is_ Ned," answered Dr. Carr, with a twinkle. Then noticing
the extremely unconvinced expression of Johnnie's face, he added more
seriously, "Don't be cross, children, and spoil all Katy's pleasure in