They quickly opened the paper. There was not much written inside—just a few words:
'Dear children,' they were, 'if you are in any difficulty, ask the advice of my dear old friend and adviser, the doctor, and you may be sure you will do what will please your father.'
For a moment or two the children were almost too surprised to speak. It was Rollo who found his voice first.
'Give us your advice now, Mr. Doctor. May we go back to the cottage without saying any more about it to Lady Venelda?'
'Yes,' said the old doctor. 'You may go anywhere you like in the woods. No harm will come to you. It is no use your saying any more about the cottage to Lady Venelda. She cannot understand it because she cannot find it. If you can find it you will learn no harm there, and your father would be quite pleased for you to go.'
'Then do you think we may go soon again?' asked the children eagerly.
'You will always have a holiday once a week,' said the doctor. 'It would not be good for you to go too often. Work cheerfully and well when you are at work, my children. I will see that you have your play.'