The arrival of the city express, from which Major Dale alighted, stopped further comment.
"I was so afraid you would miss this train," exclaimed Dorothy, embracing him, "and I was so worried about you—things seem to be happening so queerly these days."
"Yes, daughter," replied the major, "things are certainly happening. You should have seen Captain Mayberry in his new quarters."
"Did they give him the new bed? The one our play paid for?"
"Indeed, they did. And, what's better, they say he is not by any means incurable. In fact, I am very hopeful, with the proper treatment——"
"Well, I hope they won't forget the proper treatment for that sister," interrupted Tavia.
"Even that we hope to make right," replied the major. "I have sent for Miss Pumfret, and expect she may arrive at The Cedars to-night."
"Good!" exclaimed Tavia, with what might be termed "unholy glee." "Just let me introduce myself!" and she made a pretense of showing her muscle.
"There's the surrey," announced Dorothy, as Nat drove up. "We walked down, it was so delightful in the snow. But Aunt Winnie insisted we should not take out the big sleigh. She says the horses are always so skittish when first put to the cutter, and she was afraid of some other accident."
Major Dale exchanged some words with old Abe before stepping into the vehicle that served in place of the Fire Bird.