Ella, Hugh's wife, had been mistress of the mansion before the marriage of the old gentleman and Annis, and so continued to be, with Annis' full consent, but there was no jarring between them; they were congenial spirits, and enjoyed each other's society.

Ella was fond of the old gentleman, too,--the only father she had ever known,--and her little ones, Ronald and his baby sister, were to all a strong bond of union.
"It is to be an afternoon party, I suppose ?" remarked Mrs.Dinsmore in a tone of inquiry.
"Yes," said Mr.Lilburn.

"Come as early as you please, bringing all the little folks as the guests of our bit laddie.

We will have an early supper for their sakes, and after that the parents can carry them home and see them in their nests as early as they like." "And both parents and little folks may stay as late as they like," added Annis with a smile.
"Yes," said her husband, "each and every guest may feel free to do that." "I hope you are not too busy to come, Rosie ?" said Annis, turning to her.
"Thank you, no; I should not like to miss the fun of attending little Ronald's birthday party," returned Rosie in a sprightly tone, "and you must be sure to bring him to the party I am to have some weeks later." "That, of course, will have to be as his father and mother say," laughed Annis.
"Well, he shall not lack an invitation," said Rosie.

"I do not intend that any of my relatives shall.