It was dusk when she entered the library and found Mrs. Asbury discussing the political questions of the day with her husband. She had just finished reading aloud one of Reginald's Congressional speeches, and advocated it warmly, while the doctor reprobated some portion of his course.
"You have had a long walk," said Mrs. Asbury, looking up as the orphan entered.
"And look, for the universe, as if you had been ghost-seeing," cried the doctor, wiping his spectacles.
"I would rather meet an army of ghosts than see what I have seen!" answered Beulah.
"Good Heavens! In the name of wonder, what have you seen, child? A rattlesnake or a screech-owl?"
He put his broad palms on his knees, and looked mockingly curious and startled.
"I have been out to see the old place, sir; found the gate broken down, the front yard full of cows, and everything going to destruction, except the trees and hedges. Sir, it makes me feel very sad. I can't bear to have things go on this way any longer. It must be rectified."
"Bless my soul, that is easier said than done! The place is a perfect owl-roost, there is no denying that; but it is no business of ours. If Farley or his agent suffers the property to go to ruin, it is his loss."
"But I love the place. I want to save it. Won't you buy it, Dr.
Asbury?"
"Won't I buy it? Why, what on earth do you suppose I should do with it? I don't want to live in it; and, as for any more investments in real estate, why, just excuse me, if you please! Insurance and repairs eat up all the profits, and I am plagued to death with petitions in the bargain."