The Parsonage was scarce a stone's throw out of their path and they called there on their way. They owed Isadore a call and were willing to make one upon her sister Virginia also—now making her home at the Parsonage—though she had not as yet called upon them.
They found both ladies upon the veranda. Isadore gave them a joyful welcome, Virginia a cool one, saying, "I should have called upon you before now, but I know poor relations are not apt to prove welcome visitors."
"But I had thought you were making your home at Viamede," said Dr.
Harold.
"No; not since Dick and Bob removed to Torriswood. I couldn't think of living on there alone; so came here to Isa, she being my nearest of kin in this part of the world."
Harold thought he did not envy Isa on that account, but prudently refrained from saying so.
Isa invited them to stay and spend the day there, but they declined, stating that they were on their way to Torriswood by invitation.
"Yes," said Virginia; "they can invite rich relations but entirely neglect poor me."
"Why, Virgie," exclaimed Isadore in surprise, "I am sure you have been invited there more than once since you have been here."
"Well, I knew it was only a duty invitation and they didn't really want me; so I didn't go. I have a little more sense than to impose my company upon people who don't really want it."
"I shouldn't think anybody would while you show such an ugly temper," thought Lucilla, but refrained from saying it. She and her companions made but a short call, presently bade good-by and continued on their way to Torriswood.