"

"Thanks, a thousand thanks, my fair kinswoman, my bonny leddy, my sweet
Cousin Elsie," returned the old gentleman, taking the offered hands in
his and imprinting a kiss upon the still round and blooming cheek. "I
have ventured to come without previous announcement o' my intention, or
query about the inconvenience I might cause in your household
arrangements, or--"

"No fear of that, sir," Mr. Dinsmore interrupted, offering his hand in
return. "I know that you are, and always will be, a most welcome guest
in my daughter's house. You have given us a very pleasant surprise, and
the fault will not be ours if we do not keep you all winter."

The others, from Mrs. Dinsmore down to Walter, followed suit with
greetings no less joyous and cordial, for the old gentleman was a great
favorite at Ion, and with the whole connection.

He was presently installed in the easiest chair, in the warmest corner,
and hospitably urged to take some refreshment.

But he declined, saying he had had his supper in the village, before
driving over, and wanted nothing more till morning.

Then he went on to account for his sudden appearance. He had been
sojourning some hundreds of miles farther north, had not been well, and
his physician advising an immediate change to a more southerly climate,
he had set out at once for Ion, without waiting to let them know of his
intentions; feeling sure of just such a welcome as he had received.

"And a month's warning could not have made you more welcome than you
are, cousin," said his hostess.

The conversation broken in upon by Mr. Lilburn's arrival, was not
renewed that evening, but the subject was introduced again the next
morning at the breakfast table, and some questions in regard to it were
decided. All could not be, however, without consultation with the
captain and Violet, and with Lester and Elsie Leland.

Both families were speedily informed, through the telephone, of the
arrival of Mr. Lilburn, and that afternoon saw them all gathered at Ion
again to do him honor, and to complete their arrangements for the
holiday festivities.

During the intervening weeks there was a great deal of traveling back
and forth between the three houses, and to and from the city; for their
plans involved a good deal of shopping on the part of both the older
people and the children.

The latter were so full of pleasureable excitement that at times they
found no little difficulty in giving proper attention to t