"What sort of a house? Humph large enough, I am told. It will accommodate you in one way."
"Comfortable?"
"I don't know," said the doctor, shaking his head "depends on who's in it. No house is that per se. But I reckon there isn't much plate glass. I suppose you'll find the doors all painted blue, and every fireplace with a crane in it."
"A crane!" said Mrs. Rossitur, to whose imagination the word suggested nothing but a large water-bird with a long neck.
"Ay!" said the doctor. "But it's just as well. You wont want hanging lamps there and candelabra would hardly be in place either, to hold tallow candles."
"Tallow candles!" exclaimed Mrs. Rossitur. Her husband winced, but said nothing.
"Ay," said the doctor, again "and make them yourself, if you are a good housewife. Come, Lucy," said he, taking her hand, "do you know how the wild fowl do on the Chesapeake? duck and swim under water till they can show their heads with safety. 'T wont spoil your eyes to see by a tallow candle."
Mrs. Rossitur half smiled, but looked anxiously towards her husband.
"Pooh, pooh! Rolf wont care what the light burns that lights him to independence and when you get there, you may illuminate with a whole whale if you like. By the way, Rolf, there is a fine water power up yonder, and a saw-mill in good order, they tell me, but a short way from the house. Hugh might learn to manage it, and it would be fine employment for him."
"Hugh!" said his mother, disconsolately. Mr. Rossitur neither spoke nor looked an answer. Fleda sprang forward.