“He intends to write this morning to inquire about the first ship on which he can get berths for all our large party to New York.”
“Then ask him to see about two additional berths for me and my valet.”
Thus it was arranged that the whole family party, including the earl, should go to America together.
In due time the answer from the agent of the Cunard line arrived. They could all be accommodated on the Asia, which would sail on the twenty-third of March.
“This is the ninth. We have just two weeks to get ready in. We had best start for Liverpool as soon as possible and make our final preparations for the voyage there,” said Mr. Force, after he had read the letter to his assembled family.
“And, oh, papa, let somebody go to Enderby Castle to fetch Joshua,” exclaimed Wynnette.
“Why, my dear girl, the old dog may be dead,” said the earl.
“Oh, no, he is not dead! I write to Mrs. Kelsey every week to ask about dear Joshua, and he is very well. And he is not at all an old dog. He is only nine years old. I remember him ever since he was a puppy.”
“Well, it has been over two years since he saw you, and he has forgotten you by this time.”
“Oh, no, he hasn’t. We were away from home three years and three months, and he never forgot us. You ought to have seen how he met us!”