Mr. Fabian was interrupted by the re-entrance of Mrs. Rothsay.  He turned to meet her and inquired: 

“Where did you leave Violet, my dear?”

“She is in her own room, which is next to mine.  I went in with her and saw her to bed, and waited until she went to sleep,” replied Cora.

“Poor little one!  She is very fragile, and has been very much fatigued.  I do not think, my dear, that I can take her on to Rockhold to-morrow.  I think I must let her rest here for a day or two.”

“It would be best, not only on account of Violet’s delicacy and weariness, but also on account of the condition of the house at Rockhold, which has not been opened or aired for months.”

“That is true; though I had not thought of it before,” said Mr. Fabian, who was well pleased that Cora so readily fell in with his plans.

“What do you think of the pater’s marriage, Cora?’ he next inquired.

“I would rather not give an opinion, Uncle Fabian,” she answered.

“Then I am equally well answered, for that is giving a very strong opinion!” he exclaimed.

“The deed is done and cannot be undone!”

“Can it not?  Perhaps it can!”

“What do you mean, Uncle Fabian?”

“Nothing that you need trouble yourself about, my dear.  But tell me this—­what do you mean to do, Cora?  Do you mean to stay on at Rockhold?”

“I suppose I must do so.”

“Not at all, if you do not like!  You are an independent widow and may go where you please.”

“I know that and wish to go; but I do not wish to make a scene or cause a scandal by leaving my grandfather’s protection so suddenly after his marriage, which is open enough to criticism, as it is.  So I must stay on at Rockhold so long as Sylvan’s leave shall last, and until he shall receive his commission and orders.  Then I will go with him wherever his duty may call him.”

“Good girl!  You have decided well and wisely.  Though the post of duty to which the callow lieutenantling will be ordered must, of course, be Fort Jumping Off Point, at the extreme end of the habitable globe.  Well, my dear, I must bid you good night, for, see, it is on the stroke of eleven o’clock, and I am rather tired from my journey, for, you must know, we rushed it through from New York to North End without lying over,” said Mr. Fabian, as he shook hands with his niece.

He retired, and his example was soon followed by all his party.

CHAPTER XIX.

A FAMILY REUNION.

The next morning, after an early breakfast, the travelers assembled in the hall of the hotel to take leave of each other.  Clarence, Sylvan, and Cora entered the capacious carriage of the establishment to drive to Rockhold, leaving Mr. and Mrs. Fabian Rockharrt on the porch of the hotel, at which they had decided to rest for a few days.

“We shall go to Rockhold to welcome the king and queen when they return, Cora,” said Mr. Fabian, waving his hand to the departed trio, though he had not the least intention of keeping his word.  He then led his pretty Violet into the house.  The lumbering carriage rolled along the village street, passed the huge buildings of the locomotive works, and out into the road that lay between the fool of the range of mountains and the banks of the river.