"Well, yes; I remember hearing something of the sort; but really, Cora, I thought it was all talk since Sylvan went away."
"But it is more than that. Some time late in this month I shall go out to Fort Farthermost under the protection of Captain and Mrs. Neville. They are now in Washington, where I am going immediately to join them. When you read this letter, which I received after my grandfather had left me in anger this morning, you will understand all about it," said Corona, drawing her brother's last letter from her pocket and handing it to her uncle.
Mr. Fabian took it and read it carefully through; then returned it to her, saying:
"Well, my dear, it does seem as if there were a fate in all this. But what a journey is before you! At this season of the year, too! But, Cora, do not let Violet know that the grandfather has discarded you. It would grieve her tender heart too much. Just tell her that you are going out to your brother. Do not even tell her so much as that to-night. It would keep her from sleep."
"I will not hint the subject this evening, Uncle Fabian. I love Violet too much to distress her."
"You will have to explain that your engagement with the Englishman is at an end."
"Or, rather, that it has never had a beginning," said Corona.
"Very well," assented Mr. Fabian. "And now I must go and dispatch a messenger to North End to fetch Clarence here to spend the night. A hasty leave-taking at the railway depot would hardly satisfy Clarence, Cora."
"I know! And I thank you very much, Uncle Fabian," replied Corona.
"Ah, Violet! here you are, just in time to take my place. I am going out to send for Clarence to spend the evening with us," said Mr. Fabian, as he passed his young wife, who entered the room as he left it.