CHAPTER VIII.
"A man's heart deviseth his way; but the Lord directeth his steps."-- _Prov._ 16:9.
The boys were greatly disappointed on learning from the talk at the dinner-table that Cousin Donald's furlough was so short that he could give but two days to his Ion friends.
There were many expressions of regret.

Then Mr.Dinsmore said, "If you must leave us so soon we must make good use of our time, by taking you at once to see relatives, friends, and places of interest in the neighborhood.

If you and the captain are not too weary to enjoy a ride or drive, we will go to Roselands for a call this afternoon, then on to the Oaks to take tea with my son Horace and his family." "You can assure us of a welcome at both places ?" Donald said inquiringly and with a slight smile.
"You need not have the slightest fear on that score," was the quick, earnest rejoinder.
"I for one," remarked the captain, "am not in the least fatigued, and if the ladies are to be of the party, accept with pleasure and thanks." "I also," said Donald, with a look at Violet which seemed to express a hope that she was not intending to remain behind.
Mrs.Dinsmore and Mrs.Travilla excused themselves from going on the plea of fatigue from recent nursing of the sick and the long drive of the morning, Elsie adding that her little convalescents ought hardly to be deprived of mamma all day.
"Then we will take Vi," said Mr.Dinsmore, looking affectionately at her; "she has shut herself up with those same convalescents all the morning and needs air and exercise." "Yes, papa," her mother said, "and I know she would enjoy a gallop on her favorite pony.

Cousin," turning to Donald, "we have both riding and carriage horses at your and the captain's service; please do not hesitate to express your preference." They thanked her, and after a little more discussion it was arranged that the whole party, including Harold and Herbert, should ride.
The horses were ordered at once and they set out very shortly after leaving the table.

Mr.Dinsmore and the captain headed the cavalcade, Donald and Violet came next, riding side by side, and the two lads brought up the rear.
Donald was well satisfied with the arrangement, and he and Vi found a good deal of enjoyment in recalling the scenes, doings, and happenings of the past summer; particularly of the weeks spent together on the New Jersey coast.
Also Vi rehearsed to him Edward's account of Elsie's wedding and his description of the suite of apartments he had had fitted up for their use.
Edward expected to spend the winter there, she said.
It was all very interesting to Donald.