‘It is monthly at home,’ said John. ‘Only try to look to it as a favour and a comfort, as I said about church-going, but in a still higher degree—not merely as a service required from you. Believe it is a refreshment, and in time you will find it the greatest.’
‘I’ll try,’ she said, in a low, melancholy voice; ‘but I never feel as good people do.’
‘You have had more than usual against you,’ said John; cares for which you were not prepared, and weakness to exaggerate them; but you will have had a long rest, and I hope may be more equal to the tasks of daily life.’
They were interrupted by tea being brought; and the conversation continued in a less serious style.
‘Our last tea-drinking,’ said John. ‘Certainly, it has been very pleasant here.’
‘This island, that I thought so far away, and almost in foreign parts,’ said Violet, smiling; ‘I hope it has cured me of foolish terrors.’
‘You will bravely make up your mind to Martindale.’
‘I shall like to show Johnnie the peacock,’ said Violet, in a tone as if seeking for some pleasant anticipation.
John laughed, and said, ‘Poor Johnnie! I shall like to see him there in his inheritance.’
‘Dear little man! I hope his grandfather will think him grown. I am glad they did not see him while he was so tiny and miserable. I am sure they must like him now, he takes so much notice.’