The invitation was accepted promptly and with evident pleasure, as the Captain presently reported in the library.
"Now, mother, shall I give my invitation in the same way to our own friends?" he asked, turning to Grandma Elsie.
"Perhaps it would be as well to send it by Harold and me," she said, "as that will delay it very little, and I can perhaps help them to perceive what a delightful trip it is likely to prove."
"And then, mamma, you can give us their view by the 'phone," said Violet.
"I, or some one of the family will," she said. "And now, Harold, we will go and attend to the matter at once."
Captain Raymond's invitation proved scarcely less agreeable to Mr. and Mrs. Dinsmore than to their younger friends and relatives, and their acceptance was telephoned to Woodburn before the Sunnyside party had left for their homes. All heard it with satisfaction, for Grandpa and Grandma Dinsmore were pleasant traveling companions. Some lively chat followed, in regard to needed preparations for the trip, and in the midst of it a servant came in with the afternoon mail.
The Captain distributed it and among Max's portion was a document of official appearance. Evelyn noted it with a look of apprehension, and drew nearer to her young husband's side.
"Orders, my son?" asked the Captain, when Max had opened it and glanced over the contents.
"Yes, sir; I am to go immediately to Washington, upon the expiration of my leave which will be about the time the rest of you set sail in the 'Dolphin.'"
The announcement seemed quite a damper upon the previous high spirits of the little company, and there were many expressions of disappointment and regret.
"Well," said Chester, getting on his feet as he spoke, "I must go home now; there is a little matter in regard to one of my cases that must be attended to at once, since I am likely to leave the neighborhood so soon."
"And if my husband goes, I must go, too," said Lucilla, in a lively tone, rising and taking up the wrap she had thrown off on coming into the warm room.
"It is near the dinner hour; you would better stay, all of you, and dine with us," said the Captain.
All thanked him, but declined, each having some special reason for wishing to go home at that particular time.