"I never heard of it," said Grand, with anxiety.
"Nor I, my dear father; but I meant to have told you before; for I see you take an interest in the child."
"What imprudence!" continued Grand; "those people really have no sense.
I begged them particularly not to go to Venice in the autumn."
"Yes," said John, "it was foolish; but Swan went on to say that he heard the boy was all right again."
"I hope so," replied Grand, almost fervently; "and his mother wants to consult us now about his going to school."
John could not forbear to smile when his father said "us."
"So you have written to say you shall be glad to see them?" he inquired.
"Yes; it is very little I ever see of my relations."
John thought that perhaps his father's mind was turning with affection towards his family, from whom he did not now doubt that he had been estranged owing to some cause which had terminated with the old mother's death. So he said cordially—
"Would you like, when Mrs. Melcombe goes home, to invite Laura to remain with you for a few weeks? I have no doubt, if you would, that Lizzy Grant would be charmed to come at the same time, and taste the sweetness of freedom. The two girls could have the carriage, you know, and the canoes, and the riding-horses. They might enjoy themselves very much, and give croquet parties and picnics to their hearts' content. I would get old Christie to come to you whenever a chaperone was wanted. She is a most valuable possession, my dear father, but I would lend her."