A pause in the conversation upon the veranda was broken by an
exclamation from little Ned. "Cousin Arthur is coming!" he cried as a
carriage turned in at the great gates and came swiftly up the driveway.

"Yes," said his father, stepping forward to meet and welcome Dr. Conly,
"always a visitor we are delighted to see, whether we are sick or well.
Good-morning, sir! We are all glad to see you as friend and guest,
though fortunately not in need of your professional services at present.
I hope the demands of other patients are not so pressing that we may not
keep you here till after dinner."

"Thank you, but I can stay for only a hasty call," replied the doctor,
alighting and shaking hands with one after another as they crowded about
him.

"You look like the bringer of good news, cousin," said Grandma Elsie,
regarding him with a pleased smile.

"Yes," he said, "I feel myself a very fortunate and happy man to-day,
and have come to tell my news and ask the sympathy and congratulations
of you my relatives and friends. My Marian and I have a son--a fine
healthy babe, now some hours old--mother and child are doing as well as
possible."

The congratulations were poured forth without stint. Then Mr. Dinsmore
asked, "What do you propose to call the lad?"

"Ronald. It is Marian's choice and I am well content, for it is a good