CHAPTER VII.
Left alone upon the veranda, Harold sat scanning the columns of the morning paper, when a light step drew near, a pleasant voice said, "Good-morning," and looking up he found Mrs.Calhoun Conly, with a babe in her arms, close by his side.
"Oh! good-morning to you, Cousin Mary," he returned, hastily rising and gallantly handing her to a seat.

"I am glad to see you and the little one looking so well." "Thank you," she returned merrily, "it would be a pity if we failed to keep well with so many doctors about.

Were you waiting to see Arthur?
I believe he is in the house--probably up in his wife's room--though I have not seen him since breakfast." "Yes, he is there, sharing with Marian a call from my mother." "Ah! that is nice for Marian; she has been wanting to see Cousin Elsie badly.

I want a call from her too, and hope she will not forget me when through with my sister-in-law." "Hardly, I think; it is not mother's way to forget anyone; especially so near and dear a relative as yourself, Cousin Mary.

But don't set your heart on a long call this morning, for some other folks want the doctor if you don't." "Ah! and your mother has taken up the practice of medicine, has she ?" "Well, I don't say that exactly, but certainly her advice and suggestions are sometimes more beneficial to the patient than those of her doctor son; then think of the enviable condition of the patient who can have both," returned Harold laughingly.