"Have you sent for Violet? Does she know you are here? If not, I will go and call her."
"Oh, yes; the servant took up our card. And here she comes! And the baby in her arms, by all that is beautiful!" said Mrs. Pendletime, as she arose to meet her favorite, and took the infant from the fond mother and covered both with caresses.
"To think of my child coming to a hotel instead of directly to my house!" said the elder lady, reproachfully.
"But I wished to stay a day or two with Corona before she leaves for the West. And after I meant to go to you and stay as long as you would let me," Violet replied.
"Mrs. Rothsay going West!" exclaimed the old lady.
"Yes; she is," said Violet, emphatically and impatiently. And then there ensued more explanations, and exclamations, and remonstrances.
And finally Mrs. Pendletime inquired:
"And when do you leave on this fearful expedition, my dear?"
"On Monday next I go, with Captain and Mrs. Neville," replied Corona.
"Well, I am truly sorry for it; but, of course, I cannot help it. On Monday, therefore, after your friend has taken leave of you, you will remove to my house, Violet?"