The farm was a most picturesque place with old black woodwork outside, and within panelled rooms with lattice windows, but it all needed repainting and papering. Toney was in her element, as pencil in hand, she planned out something very pretty. She had not done before Lewis appeared, and with his help she put down the names of the tradesmen she should apply to to transform the old farm into something that would be very pretty and attractive, and where some of the future dwellers in Toney's palace should lodge.
"I am going to call the palace 'Stone House' after my General," she said, "and you must name the farm, as it is really your gift."
"My gift when I am selling it for a handsome sum! It will be a chapel of ease I think."
Toney laughed.
"Indeed it won't. Everybody connected with it will work hard. Pups said hard work was like salt to dried herrings! But I do wish we could get on with the palace. It's going to be built of stone of course, with mullion windows and airy rooms, and very hygienic and—oh, I must ride home, for Mr. Russell will be wanting me. He takes Aunt Dove's part, and she is really quite nice to him."
At that moment Maud made her appearance. Her mother had sent her to invite Toney to lunch, but in the back of her mind it was to report how Lewis conducted himself with the heiress. Maud found them only busy over the names of many tradesmen.
"I'm glad you came," exclaimed Toney, but not laughing. "I want you to help Mr. Waycott to choose a name for the farm. It will be nice if you both help."
Maud was beginning to admire Toney very much; ever since the birthday party she always took her part when her mother and Jeanie abused her, and now here was Toney saying something so nice. At that moment, however, the Squire's agent came to call him away on business.
"Oh, Toney, it will be lovely to have your palace so near to Lewis, because he does take so much interest in it."
"It is very good of him and you. If you both care it will get on."