near and dear a relative as yourself, Cousin Mary. But don't set your
heart on a long call this morning, for some other folks want the doctor
if you don't."

"Ah! and your mother has taken up the practice of medicine, has she?"

"Well, I don't say that exactly, but certainly her advice and
suggestions are sometimes more beneficial to the patient than those of
her doctor son; then think of the enviable condition of the patient who
can have both," returned Harold laughingly. "Ah, here comes Cousin Cal!"
as a horseman came galloping up the avenue.

"Good-morning, Harold!" Calhoun said, as he alighted, giving his steed
in charge to a servant, and came up the veranda steps. "I have been out
in the field for some hours, overseeing the work of my men, saw you
passing a few moments since with your mother, and could not resist the
temptation to leave them and come in for a bit of chat with her and
yourself."

"Especially with me, of course," laughed Harold as the two shook hands
and Calhoun, seating himself near his wife, took the babe, which was
stretching out its arms to him with a cooing invitation not to be
resisted by the doting father.

"Mother's particular errand this morning was a call upon Marian; she is
paying it now, and I presume will be down in the course of ten or
fifteen minutes," added Harold.

"You will both stay to dinner, won't you?" queried Calhoun hospitably.
"We'd be delighted to have you do so."