“After what you have told me, dear, I question whether that would be a desirable residence for any one, least of all for you,” said David Lindsay, gravely.
“Oh, yes, it would. I particularly wish to go there. Ah, I know not why, but the very savageness of the place attracts me!” exclaimed Gloria.
“Who is in charge of the house? Shall we find it habitable? Will there be accommodations for you?”
“Oh, yes, I suppose so,” said Gloria, answering the last question first; “the place should be kept up; my father purchased it just as it was, with slaves, stock, carriage and horses, implements, furniture, and everything. He even retained the hired white overseer and the housekeeper who had been in the service of the last owner. I know that Uncle Marcel used to receive their accounts and pay their wages twice every year.”
“So you have decided to go to Gryphynshold?”
“I have determined to go there,” said Gloria, firmly.
“Then I must get a map and trace out our course as well as I can, and afterwards inquire about stages.”
“I can tell you that; for once during our summer holiday trips, Marcel and I, being in this city, planned to go and take a look at my mountain stronghold, as he called it. So we left Washington by the six P. M. stage-coach for Winchester; thence to Staunton, and thence to the Greenbriar White Sulphur Springs; but there we found the place so attractive that we went no farther. So I know that we must commence our journey by the stage that leaves here at six o’clock in the evening. What time is it now? Let me see,” she said, as she consulted her diamond-studded little gold watch. “It is half-past one. Now, please ring and order a carriage. I must go out and buy a trunk, a work-box, a writing-desk, a dressing-case, clothes, needles and thread, stationery, combs and brushes, and all such necessaries of a girl’s life, before going into that remote mountain wilderness. And at the same time we can stop at the stage office and take our places.”
The young man answered by ringing the bell, and when the waiter appeared he gave the requisite order.
Gloria went in her chamber to put on her sack and hat.