“I will not be gone long. I shall be back in three weeks at farthest. I do not like to leave him at his age. He is past seventy. His time may be short on earth. How can I tell? That was the reason why I would not go to Europe for my wedding tour. But oh, Drusilla, I did not know how much I loved my dear grandfather until this day. And to think that in the course of nature I must lose him some day, and may lose him soon,” said Anna, weeping afresh.
“My darling Anna, your grandfather is a very strong and hale old man; his habits are regular and temperate, and his life quiet and wholesome. He is likely to live twenty or thirty years longer,” answered Drusilla, cheerily.
“Heaven grant it,” fervently breathed Anna.
And then she turned and went down-stairs, followed by Drusilla.
“Good-by, my darling. I will kiss you here. I must save the last one for my dear grandfather,” said Anna, embracing her friend at the foot of the stairs.
“Good-by, and Heaven bless you!” responded Drusilla, heartily.
Anna went forward to General Lyon, who took her in his arms, and smiling, kissed and blessed her. And his last words, as he gave her into the charge of her husband, were cheerful:
“You will have a delightful run by moonlight up the bay, my dear,” he said.
Anna, striving to keep back her tears, let Dick lead her to the carriage, and place her in it. He immediately followed, and seated himself by her side. Old Jacob cracked his whip, and the horses started.
So quickly and quietly had this little scene passed, that the carriage was bowling along the avenue before the company on the lawn suspected what was being done.