“Then you really have a hope that he will rejoin you at Cedarwood?” inquired General Lyon.
“At some future day, sir, yes.”
“And in the meanwhile you live alone there?”
“No, sir, not quite; but with my boy and servants.”
“And how do you propose to support the little establishment, my dear? Come, I wish to know your ideas; though I dare say, poor child, you have never thought of the subject.”
“Oh yes, dear sir, I have. In the first place, I have nearly fifteen hundred dollars in money, left at home; that will keep us in moderate comfort for two years, especially as I have abundance of everything else on the premises—furniture, clothing and provisions, in the house; and a kitchen garden, an orchard, poultry yard and dairy, on the place. So, at the very worst, I could keep a market farm,” smiled Drusilla.
“But in the meanwhile live alone, or with only your infant babe and your servants?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Then I tell you, Drusilla, that you must not, shall not do so,” repeated the General, with emphasis.
“Oh, sir, why would you hinder me?” she pleaded, lifting her imploring eyes to his face.