"Oh no. I think father and mother wander through the orchard and across the fields still, and I should feel nearer to them there; and I'm sure it would make heaven a better place for them if they knew we were back in the old home."
"Ah, well," he said, with a sigh, "that is a dream we cannot indulge in. Sir John Liskeard asked me why I did not buy it."
"And what did you say to him?"
"What could I say, Ruth, except that I could just as easily buy the moon?"
"Would the freehold cost so much?"
"As the moon?"
"No, no, I don't mean that, you silly boy; but is land so very, very dear?"
"Compared with land in or near big towns or cities, it is very, very cheap."
"But I mean it would take a lot of money to buy Hillside?"
"You and I would think it a lot." And then the sound of footsteps was heard outside, followed a moment later by a timid knock at the door.