“I defy you to have done that, Mrs. Byles. Your dinner is excellent,” replied the General. And all the other members of the party agreed with him, and proved their sincerity upon the edibles set before them.
Immediately after dinner they were served with excellent coffee and tea.
Then the General ordered the carriage for their return home.
After another pleasant ride through the forest, they reached Old Lyon Hall at sunset.
“We have had a delightful day at your other house, Dick,” said the General, heartily.
“Our other home, sir, if you please; for if Anna and myself are to be at home at Old Lyon Hall during one period of the year, you and Drusilla must be at home at Hammond House during another part,” said Dick.
“And when you wish to spend a winter in Washington you must all be at home with me at Cedarwood,” added Drusilla.
“Agreed! agreed!” said General Lyon, Anna and Dick in a breath.
After tea that evening they were pleasantly surprised by a visit from the Seymours.
It seems the old gentleman had got news of Anna’s arrival and had come over with his wife and daughter, ostensibly to welcome home the bride and bridegroom; but really too glad of a good excuse to hear Drusilla sing and play.