But if you invite all the relatives you will have a great many guests to entertain--that is should all, or nearly all, accept.

However, it is more than likely that by far the larger number will feel constrained to content themselves with sending regrets, congratulations, and gifts." "I hope," said Harold quickly and earnestly, "I am sure we all do--that no one will feel called upon for that last.

I trust that will be fully understood.

The parents of both bride and groom being abundantly able to provide everything necessary or desirable, why should distant relatives and friends assist in it, perhaps at the cost of embarrassment or self-denial ?" "But you should not deny the privilege to those who are abundantly able and would feel it a pleasure," returned Mary with playful look and tone; "which I am sure is the case with some of the relatives," she added.
"No," said Harold, "I should not deny it, but would have a distinct understanding that it was not expected or desired, at the cost of hardship or self-denial to the giver, or his or her nearer and dearer ones." At that moment his mother stepped from the doorway into the veranda.
Very warmly affectionate greetings were exchanged, she was quickly installed in an easy-chair, and some moments were spent in lively chat.
"Do take off your bonnet, Cousin Elsie, and stay and dine with us," urged Calhoun hospitably.

"Our young doctor here insists that he cannot; but let him go on and visit the patients he thinks need his services, and call here again for you; unless you will allow me the pleasure of seeing you safely home later in the day." "Thank you, Cal," she said in reply, "but Rosie will be looking out for her mother--as I promised her I would not be gone very long--and I want to see some of my boy's patients myself, and to make a little call at Beechwood.