"Is it possible?" cried Kate.
"You do not speak seriously?" said the Colonel.
"Why not? I've got a cold, and I've no idea of remaining to be cut off, like poor Gilpin, by the east winds," returned Winter.
"Is that your only reason?" asked Kate.
"Why not exactly; but A—— has become such a desert, now that you and Gilpin are gone; life is not worth having there."
"I do not like the idea of having the sea between us," said the Colonel.
"Nor I," added his grand-daughter,
"Nor I; but we will not be long away, and I intend to paint, while abroad, such a picture, as will make the Royal Academicians die of envy," said Winter.
"And," added Mrs. Winter, "we have let our house very advantageously to a cousin of Canon Jones's, who commands the new regiment."