"Well, Vi, how would Woodburn answer, so far as you are concerned?" queried Arthur.
"Woodburn! is it for sale?" she cried delightedly. "O Levis!" turning to her husband, "it is a lovely old place! A visit there was always a great treat to me as a child."
"And it is really for sale?" exclaimed several voices in chorus, all eyes turning inquiringly upon Dr. Conly.
"Yes, so Miss Elliott told me yesterday," replied Arthur. "She was slightly indisposed, and sent for me, and, while telling of her ailments, remarked that she was very lonely since her sister Margaret had married and gone, leaving her sole occupant—not taking servants into account—of that large house, with its extensive grounds. So she had at last decided, she said, to comply with her sister's urgent request to sell the place, and take up her abode with them.
"She had thought of advertising, and asked my advice about it. Of course, I thought at once of you and Vi, captain, told her I knew of a gentleman who might like to become a purchaser, and that I would promise her a call from him to-day to look at the place. Will you redeem my promise?"
"Gladly," responded the captain, "especially as Vi expresses so strong a liking for the place. Will you go with me, my dear?"
"I hardly like to leave my baby yet," she answered dubiously. "But if you should feel entirely satisfied with the house, the grounds, and the price asked for them, you could not please me better than by making the purchase."
"There! if Miss Elliott only knew it, she might consider the estate as good as sold," remarked Zoe.
"If she is willing to take a reasonable price, I presume she might," said Arthur. "Captain, I will go there directly from here: will you drive over with me, and take a look at the place?"
"Yes, thank you; and have a talk with the lady, if you will give me an introduction."