The young wife was very happy in spite of her recent bereavement; her husband was kindness and nobility personified, and left nothing undone that could contribute in any degree to her pleasure, or prevent her from brooding upon her father's death.
They had a cozy and elegant suite of rooms at the Baldwin Hotel, which Sir William had engaged for the winter, and from this point they made many excursions sometimes being away several weeks at a time, traveling, then returning to rest, after which they would start afresh again.
The fond husband was determined that Virgie should see everything that was worth seeing in her own country before he took her to their home in England.
They frequented the opera and theater, attended concerts and lectures, and Sir William was both surprised and delighted to notice how readily Virgie adapted herself to the requirements of society and etiquette, notwithstanding the seclusion of the last half-dozen years.
About the middle of March they started for the East, intending to take the trip leisurely and visit points of interest along their route.
They arrived in New York early in May, and were intending to sail for England the last of the month.
But Virgie, although not really ill, was far from well when they reached the great metropolis, and her husband insisted that she must have medical advice.
He called in a skillful physician, who, upon being told what their plans were, immediately and emphatically vetoed further travel for the present.
"It will be simply impossible for Mrs. Heath to undertake a sea voyage at present," he asserted.
"But the trip occupies eight days—" Sir William began.