d among them as they gathered--a
bright faced, cheerful set--in the pleasant breakfast-room and about its
bountiful table.

Each had a gift to show, for all had been remembered in that way by
either the captain or Violet, some by both, and each one had received or
did now receive, something from Grandma Elsie--a book, toy or game.

The gifts seemed to give universal satisfaction and all were in gayest
spirits.

Shortly after breakfast--almost before the children had done with
comparing and talking about their presents--the other guests began to
arrive, and by ten o'clock everybody who had been invited was there.

Then began the fun of arranging themselves in groups and having
photographs taken; after that the acting of the charades.

The picture suggested by Violet was taken first. In it Grandma Elsie
was seated between her father on one side, and her namesake daughter on
the other, Mrs. Leland having her babe in her arms, while little Ned
leaned confidingly against his great-grandfather's knee.

The captain and Violet, with their two little ones, made another pretty
picture. Then the captain was taken again with his older three grouped
about him. Then Grandma Elsie again with her son Edward and his Zoe,
standing behind her, Rosie and Walter one on each side.

She thought this quite enough, but her college boys insisted on having
her taken again, seated between them.

It was then proposed that the other members of the company should be
taken in turn--singly or in groups;--but all declined, expressing a
decided preference for spending the time in a more amusing manner, such
as forming tableaux and acting charades.

The older people took possession of a large parlor and sat there
conversing, while the younger ones consulted together and made their
arrangements in the library.

Misconstrue was the first word chosen. Presently Evelyn walked into the
parlor, followed almost immediately by Harold with a book in his hand.

"You are here, Miss?" he said glancing at Evelyn. "And you, Miss?" as
Sydney Dinsmore came tripping in from the hall.

"Yes; and here comes another Miss;" she replied, as Lulu appeared in the
open doorway.

"I too, am a miss; there are four of us here now," said Rosie, coming up
behind Lulu.

"I am a miss," proclaimed Maud Dinsmore, stepping in after Rosie.

"And I am a miss," echoed Lora Howard, coming after her.

"Well, stand up in a row and let us see if you can say your lesson
without