I hope, my boy, you will live to be an honour to your mother and a blessing to the world." "I hope so, sir; it is my ardent wish," Walter said low and earnestly, giving his mother a most loving look as he spoke.
"And if you trust not in your own strength, but look constantly to God for help, you will succeed, my son," she responded in low, moved tones.
Just at that moment there were several additions to their group, among them Captain Keith and Dr.Percival, and the talk turned upon plans for the next few days, and after that for the summer.

Most of the relatives from a distance would linger in that neighbourhood for a week or more, and entertainments of one kind and another would be given by those residents there.

The Oaks, The Laurels, Fairview, Woodburn, Roselands, and Beechwood would have their turns.

After that must come the inevitable breaking up and scattering of guests to their own homes or some summer resort, while most of the dwellers in that region would go northward in search of a cooler climate in which to pass the heated term.

But it was not deemed necessary to settle it all now; only to arrange on which day each estate would be the scene of entertainment.