Next morning, when the family assembled at breakfast, Captain Danton found a letter on his plate, summoning him in haste to Montreal.
"Business, my dear," he said, answering his eldest daughter's enquiring look; "business of moment."
"Nothing concerning—" She paused, looking startled. "Nothing relating to—"
"To Mr. Richards. No, my dear. How do you ladies purpose spending the day?"
He looked at Grace, who smiled.
"My duties are all arranged," she said. "There is no fear of the day hanging heavily on my hands."
"And you two?"
"I don't know, papa," said Kate listlessly. "I can practise, and read, and write letters, and visit Mr. Richards. I dare-say I will manage."
"Let us have a drive," said Eeny. "We can drive with papa to the station, and then get Thomas to take us everywhere. It's a lovely day, and you have seen nothing of St. Croix and our country roads yet."
Eeny's idea was applauded, and immediately after breakfast the barouche was ordered out, and Thomas was in attendance. Mr. Ogden packed his master's valise, and the trio entered the carriage and were driven off.