"Tell him yes," said Cherrie; "that is all."
Mr. Johnston took off his hat once more, and himself immediately after. Ann Nettleby, at the same moment, came to the door to tell Cherrie tea was ready; and Cherrie went in and partook of that repast with her father, sister, and brothers.
"Did you hear, boys," said old Nettleby, "that Lady Leroy has sold Partridge Farm?"
"Sold Partridge Farm!" repeated Rob. "No! has she, though? Who to?"
"To young Mr. Oaks, so Midge tells me; and a rare penny she'll get for it, I'll warrant you."
"What does Oaks want of it, I wonder?" said his other son. "He isn't going to take to farming."
"Oaks is the richest fellow in Speckport," said Rob Nettleby; "he has more money a great deal than he knows what to do with, and he may as well lay it out in property as at the gaming-table."
"Does he gamble?" asked Cherrie, helping herself to bread and butter.
Her brother laughed significantly.
"Doesn't he, though? You may find him and that Captain Cavendish all hours of the day and night in Prince Street."