CHAPTER XXII
The captain, Violet and Grace now returned to the library, where they found Lucilla at the typewriter answering some letters for her father.
“Oh, you have all been up to see Neddie, haven’t you?” she asked, judging so by the expression of their faces.
“Yes, daughter,” replied the captain, “but the doctor would allow only an exceedingly short call, and so much depending upon it, we must all be careful to follow his directions.”
“Yes, indeed, the dear little brother!” she exclaimed with emotion. “But surely something pleasant has happened to you, Gracie dear, for you are looking very happy.”
“As I am and ought to be,” returned Grace, blushing vividly; “father and the—and others, too, have been so kind to me.”
“Oh, father means to reward Harold, does he?” laughed Lucilla. “Well, sister dear, if you like it I am glad for you.”
“Your father has, indeed, been very kind to our pair of lovers,” said Violet, smiling upon both her husband and Grace, “and the best of it is that he has stipulated that they are to stay here with us for the first year of their married life.”
“After that to remain on the estate, but in a separate house if they wish it,” added the captain.