She found that Captain Raymond was calling from Woodburn to ask after Edward, Zoe, and the others who had been present at the fall of the tree. He was glad to learn that they had escaped injury and were doing well.
His inquiry was followed almost immediately by a similar one from Fairview, then from each of the other places with which Ion had such connection, and all expressed themselves relieved to learn that none of the little party had been injured.
At Woodburn the captain and his two gentlemen guests sat conversing together.
“This is a beautiful country, captain,” remarked Hugh. “Father and I are so well pleased with it, and with the relatives we have found here, that we have serious thoughts of settling in the neighborhood.”
“That would be pleasant for us,” said the captain, “and, by the way, I heard to-day that our next neighbor talks of selling his plantation and leaving the vicinity.”
“What! surely not that beautiful place that I was admiring the other day?” questioned Cousin Ronald. “Beechwood I think you told me they called it.”
“The very same,” replied the captain, “and we should all be very glad to see you and your son settled there.”
“What do you say to that, laddie?” asked the old gentleman, turning to Hugh.
“It sounds very inviting, sir,” was the smiling reply; “and would not be too distant from our proposed place of business.”
“No, I think not; hardly more than fifteen minutes’ ride or drive from the village if one has the right kind of steed.”