rned the old gentleman
with a smile. "The dear Master who should be our pattern in all things."

"Yes," said Herbert, low and feelingly, "that is what we both sincerely
desire to do."

It was still early when the callers bade good-night and took their
departure; the Lilburns going first, then the Raymonds, and lastly the
Lelands.

All met again the next day at Beechwood, where they were joined by the
other members of the family connexion and had a very pleasant afternoon,
mostly taken up with sports suited to the entertainment of the little
ones--three-year-old Ronald and his baby cousins.

The invitations had been sent out too late to allow time for the
purchase of many gifts, but there were fruits and flowers, and some few
toys; among these last, animals which ventriloquism caused apparently to
say very amusing things, to the surprise and merriment of the little
folks.

Then, when they began to tire of fun and frolic, they were seated about
a table under the trees on the lawn, and regaled with toothsome viands,
not too rich for their powers of digestion. After that they were allowed
to sport upon the verandas and the grass, while the elder people
gathered about the table and satisfied their appetites with somewhat
richer and more elaborate viands.

They had finished their meal and were gathered in groups under the trees
or on the verandas, when the sound of a banjo caused a sudden hush of
expectancy. Glances were sent here and there in search of the musician,
yet no one was greatly surprised that he was not visible. Several tunes
were played; then followed a song in the negro dialect, which made
everybody laugh.

That was the winding up of the entertainment, and, as it was nearing the
bedtime of the little ones, all presently bade good-bye, with truthful
assurances of having greatly enjoyed themselves, and returned to their
homes.

CHAPTER IX.

The Woodburn carriage was quite full with the captain and his entire
family, excepting, of course, his eldest son, Max, who was far away on
board a man-of-war.

"Well," said Violet, as they drove out of Beechwood Avenue into the
highway, "I have enjoyed little Ronald's birthday party very much, and
hope you can all say the same."

"Oh, yes, mamma! I think we had good fun," exclaimed Neddie. "To be sure
Ronald is only a baby boy--just about half as old as I am--but he's a
very dear little fellow; and then his grandpa made a great deal of fun
for us."

"