“Humph!” responded John. “It never rains but it pours; I’ve had news myself.” He drew a letter from his pocket and looked at the address on the envelope.
Cassy went up to him and stood on tiptoe to whisper: “Is it about the entail?”
John put his arm around her and gave her a hug.
“You sly little lass, do you remember that? Yes, it is about that and some other things. I’ve got to pack up and travel as soon as I can.”
“Oh!” Cassy looked very sorrowful. “Must you go soon? Before we leave here?”
“I think I shall have to go as soon as I can get off. I have yet to see Mr. Dallas and get a man settled in my place, and then I shall take the first steamer.”
“Shall you stay forever?” Cassy’s little hand crept into his big one.
“No, indeed; I shall come back as soon as I can get my affairs settled. I have become a good American.”
“Like my father,” said Cassy proudly. “Shall you come back here to Mr. Dallas?”
“No, I hope to have a place of my own. I wish—but there’s time enough to think of that.”