“How good you are, Cora.  I do appreciate this consideration for Violet,” said Mr. Fabian earnestly.

“It is only her due, uncle.  Well, Clarence, since you are determined to escort me to Washington, whether or not, you may meet me at the depot for the 6:30 express.  I feel that it is every way better that I should go by the night train; better for Violet, with whom I can thus spend a few more hours, and better for Clarence, who need not by this arrangement lose this day’s work.”

“Quite so,” assented Mr. Fabian.  “And now,” he added, as light footsteps were heard approaching the room, “here comes Violet.  Not a word about the journey until after breakfast.”

They all went into the breakfast room, where a fragrant, appetizing morning meal was spread.

How different this was from the breakfast at Rockhold on the preceding-day, darkened by the sullen wrath of the Iron King and eaten in the most gloomy silence!  Here were affectionate attentions and jests and laughter.  Violet was in such gay spirits that her vivacity became contagious, and Fabian and Clarence often laughed aloud, and Corona was won to smile at her sallies.

At last Mr. Fabian arose with a sigh, half of satisfied appetite, half of reluctance to leave the scene, and said: 

“Well, I suppose we must be moving.  Clarence, will you drive with me to North End?”

“Certainly.  That is all arranged, you know,” replied the younger brother.

“Mr. Fabian walked out into the hall, saying as he left the breakfast room: 

“Corona, a word with you, my dear.”

Corona went to him, and he said: 

“After you have had an explanation with Violet, persuade her to accompany you to North End.  You had better come in your own pony carriage, my dear; it is so easy and the horse so safe.  And then, after you have left us, I can drive her home in the same vehicle.  And, by the way, my dear, what shall you do with that little turnout?  Shall I send it to Hyde’s livery stable for sale?  You can get double what was given for it.  And remit you the price?”

“No, Uncle Fabian; it is not to be sold.  And I am glad you reminded me of it.  I have intended all along to give it to our minister’s wife.  She has no carriage of any sort, and she really needs one, and she will enjoy this because she can drive the pony herself.  So, after I have gone, will you please send it to Mrs. Melville, with my love?”

“Certainly, my dear; with the greatest pleasure.  Cora, that is well thought of.  Now I must go up to the nursery and bid good-by to baby, or her mother would never forgive me.”

And high and heavy Mr. Fabian tripped up the stairs like a lamplighter.

Corona lingered in the hall, talking with Mr. Clarence, who had now come there to put on his overcoat.  Presently Mr. Fabian came hurrying down stairs alone.  He had left Violet in the sanctuary.

“Come, come, Clarence, hurry up!  We are late!  What if the monarch should reach the works before us?  I shouldn’t like to meet him in his roused wrath!  Should you?