human
Is there anything I can do to help with your preparations, Mamma Vi?
gpt
Thank you, Lu, but they are almost all made now, except what the servants will do, returned Violet, adding laughingly.
human
And if they were not, it would surely hardly be the correct thing to let one of our brides be at the trouble of assisting with them.
gpt
Both of them would be very glad to give their help, if it were desired or needed, said Evelyn.
human
We feel privileged to offer assistance, because it is our father's house,
gpt
That is right, daughter,
human
Oh, Lu, I have been making some changes in the rooms that were yours, but are mine now, said Grace.
gpt
Papa has provided some new pieces of furniture both there and in our little sitting-room and I want to show them to you, Eva and Max.
human
Are the rest of us invited, Gracie?
gpt
Oh, yes, indeed! was the gay rejoinder,
human
And to all of us,
gpt
Most especially so to one who has often sighed in vain for it,
human
Have you wanted us sometimes when you were far away on the sea, Brother Max?
gpt
Yes, indeed, Ned; and expect to do so again before very long.
human
Oh, the dear old rooms look lovely, lovely! exclaimed Lucilla, as they passed into the little sitting-room she had formerly shared with her sister Grace, glanced around it and through the open doors into the two bedrooms.
gpt
It almost makes me homesick to be living in them again.
human
Well, daughter, you may come back whenever you choose,
gpt
Why, Lu, I thought you loved that pretty new home papa has taken such pains to make ready for you and Eva and Max and Chester,
human
Yes, so I do; but this old home has the added charm of being papa's also.
gpt
Yes; but the other is so near that you can see him every day, and oftener, if you choose.
human
And talk to him at any moment through the telephone, if she prefers that to coming over here,
gpt
Oh, yes! how nice it is that our houses are all connected by telephone, exclaimed Evelyn.
human
Father, if I may, I think I'll go to yours and speak to Aunt Elsie now.
gpt
Certainly, daughter,
human
I do so like that name from you, father dear,
gpt
And I am glad my boy Max has given me the right,
human
Shall I ring and call for you?
gpt
If you please.
human
Hello, what is it?
gpt
It is I, Aunt Elsie, returned Evelyn.
human
I just called to know if you were in; because if you are, we are coming over directly to make you a call.
gpt
I think I shall be by the time you can get here, was the reply in a tone of amusement.
human
But please don't delay, as we were about to start for Sunnyside in a few minutes.
gpt
Oh, were you! Then we will drive over at once and accompany you on the trip.
human
Thank you; that will be most pleasant.
gpt
Yes, Aunt Elsie, you will be a most welcome visitor in both divisions of Sunnyside. Please don't neglect mine.
human
I certainly do not intend to, was the cheerily-spoken response,
gpt
Thank you. Good-bye now till we arrive at Fairview.
human
We would better start for that place presently, said Max.
gpt
We can view the beauties of this any day. Wont you go with us, Grace? There is a vacant seat in the carriage.
human
Yes, do; we'd be glad to have you, urged both Eva and Lucilla, the latter adding,
gpt
You have hardly yet taken a look at our new homes with us in them.
human
Yes, go, daughter; I think you will enjoy it,
gpt
Thank you all three, she said.
human
I will go if I may have ten minutes in which to get ready.
gpt
Fifteen, if necessary, replied Max, in sportive tone.
human
Even that great loss of time will be well paid for by the pleasure of your good company.
gpt
A well-turned compliment, brother mine,
human
Why shouldn't Elsie go too? There is plenty of room for her; and Ned can ride alongside on his pony, which I see is down yonder ready saddled and bridled, said Max, putting an arm round his little sister, as she stood by his side, and looking smilingly at her, then at Ned.
gpt
Can't they go, father and Mamma Vi?