"And talk to him at any moment through the telephone, if she prefers that to coming over here," said the Captain.
"Oh, yes! how nice it is that our houses are all connected by telephone," exclaimed Evelyn. "Father, if I may, I think I'll go to yours and speak to Aunt Elsie now."
"Certainly, daughter," he returned, promptly leading the way.
"I do so like that name from you, father dear," she said softly and smiling up into his face as they reached the instrument.
"And I am glad my boy Max has given me the right," he returned, bending down to kiss the ruby lips and smooth the shining hair.
"Shall I ring and call for you?" he asked.
"It is I, Aunt Elsie," returned Evelyn. "I just called to know if you were in; because if you are, we are coming over directly to make you a call."
"I think I shall be by the time you can get here," was the reply in a tone of amusement. "But please don't delay, as we were about to start for Sunnyside in a few minutes."
"Oh, were you! Then we will drive over at once and accompany you on the trip."
Eva stepped aside and Lucilla took her place.
"Yes, Aunt Elsie, you will be a most welcome visitor in both divisions of Sunnyside. Please don't neglect mine."
"I certainly do not intend to," was the cheerily-spoken response, "for your half of the dwelling is doubtless quite as well worth seeing as the other, and its occupants seem very near and dear."
"Thank you. Good-bye now till we arrive at Fairview."
"We would better start for that place presently," said Max. "We can view the beauties of this any day. Wont you go with us, Grace? There is a vacant seat in the carriage."
"Yes, do; we'd be glad to have you," urged both Eva and Lucilla, the latter adding, "You have hardly yet taken a look at our new homes with us in them."
"Yes, go, daughter; I think you will enjoy it," her father said in reply to a questioning glance from her beautiful blue eyes, directed to him.
"Thank you all three," she said. "I will go if I may have ten minutes in which to get ready."
"Fifteen, if necessary," replied Max, in sportive tone. "Even that great loss of time will be well paid for by the pleasure of your good company."
"A well-turned compliment, brother mine," returned Grace, as she tripped away in search of hat and wrap; for the air was cool in driving.