The captain’s pupils were jubilant over the prospect of soon leaving for the sea-shore at the North. Inquiries in regard to different locations had been set on foot some weeks previous, and now it was decided to take possession for the season of several dwellings in the neighborhood of Cape Ann, Mass. In one of them, which was quite large, too large to be called a cottage, the Ion and Woodburn families would be together much of the time, a little building near at hand containing the overflow when guests would render accommodations at the larger house too small.
Edward and Zoe with their little ones would remain at home for the present, that he might oversee the work on the plantation, and the Fairview family would go for a time at least to Evelyn’s home on the banks of the Hudson. The families at the Oaks and the Laurels were not going North at present, but might do later in the season.
The Raymonds were to take their journey by sea in the Dolphin, the others, with their guests, going by rail.
That was the plan at first, but only a day or two before they started Mary Keith received a letter from her father giving her permission to accept an invitation from the relatives to spend the summer with them at the sea-shore, which she did with delight.
“Oh, I am so glad, Mary!” Violet exclaimed when she heard the news; “and I want you to go with us on the Dolphin. Won’t you? It will be a new and, I hope, pleasant experience for you, and we shall be so glad to have your company.”
Captain Raymond, who was present, warmly seconded the invitation, and Mary accepted it.
This talk was at Ion, where the captain and Violet were making a short call. They took their leave almost immediately, saying that the time for their preparations for leaving home was growing very short, and there were a number of matters still claiming their attention.
Before they had reached the avenue gates the captain turned to his wife, saying, “I think, my dear, if you have no objection, we will drive over to Roselands for a short call before going home. I want to say a few words to Cal.”
There was a twinkle of fun in his eye, and Violet returned laughingly, “Yes, I understand. Let us go by all means.”