“Well, is he willing to let you go?” asked the rector.
“Yes, indeed; he says he only regrets that he may not return in time to receive us. So if Thursday is a fair day and you are all so disposed, we will make an early start, see the castle at our leisure, take lunch in the park, and then come home in the afternoon.”
“Who is going to be generous enough to give us luncheon in the park?” said Rose.
“We shall take it with us and have a picnic,” said her aunt, with a triumphant little nod of her head.
“But how will you all get there?” asked the rector, still disposed to think there must be some flaw in arrangements which had been made without his assistance.
“Oh, that is all provided for,” said his wife, with another little nod. “Miss Acton will drive Grace in the pony phaeton, I am going in the carriage with the children, and Peter is going to bring the provisions in the little tax-cart. If either of you gentlemen would like to come, we will provide a way for you, too.”
“Really your plans are very perfect and your invitation very tempting,” said Dr. Norton, “and I am not sure but I’ll take a horse and ride over to Ashden with you.”
“Oh, do, do, papa!” exclaimed his daughters, while Philip’s eager eyes expressed the same wish.
“But it won’t be pleasant Thursday, I know it won’t,” said Rose; “it will be too good to be true, for us really to see Ashden; something is sure to happen.”
“Oh, I hope not,” said Lillie, “for I do so want to see the inside of that wonderful place. Only think! There’s a ghost-chamber, and a trap-door, and a lake where a beautiful countess drowned herself.”