"I fear you must be lonely here, Violet," said Cora.
"Awfully lonesome after Fabian has gone away in the morning, Cora. It would be such a charity in you to come and stay with me for a little while! Come in now and we will talk about it," said the little lady, as she led the way back to the house.
"Sylvan," she continued, as they paused for a moment on the porch, "send your coachman around to the stable to put up your carriage. You and Cora will spend the day with me at the very least."
"Just as Cora pleases; ask her," said the young man with a glance toward his sister.
"Yes," she answered.
"You are a love!" exclaimed Violet as she led the way into the hall and thence into a pleasant morning room.
Cora laid off her bonnet and sank into an easy chair by the front window.
"Now, as soon as you are well rested, I wish to show you both over the house and grounds. Such a charming house, Cora! Such beautiful grounds, Sylvan!" exclaimed the proud little mistress.
Cora smiled approval, but did not explain that she herself had gone all through the establishment several times, in the course of its fitting up, to see that all things were arranged properly before the arrival of the married pair.
And when, a little later, the trio went through the rooms, she expressed as much pleasure in their appearance as if she had never seen them before.