The brother and sister spent a very pleasant day at Violet Banks, and when in the cool of the evening they would have taken leave, the young wife pleaded with them to stay all night.
In the midst of this discussion Mr. Fabian Rockharrt came home from North End.
As he entered the parlor he heard his Wood Violet at her petition. He greeted them all, kissed his wife, kissed Cora, and shook hands with Sylvan.
"Now let me settle this matter," he said, good humoredly, as he threw himself into a large arm chair.
"First tell me, Cora, what is the obstacle to your spending the night with us?"
"Only that I did not announce even this visit to the family at Rockhold."
"Do you owe any special obligation to do so?"
"It is not a question of obligation, but of courtesy. I should certainly be remiss in politeness to leave the house for a two days' visit without giving notice of my intention," she answered.
"Oh! I see. Well, I can fix all that. You will both remain to dinner. After dinner it will not be too late for Sylvan to take my sure-footed cob and ride back to Rockhold and explain to the family that Cora is to remain here overnight, and that I will myself take her home to-morrow evening if she should wish to go."
"What do you say, Cora," inquired the young man.