Moses, I am going to Washington first," replied Corona.

"Lors! I hear tell how so many folkses do go to Washintub! Wunner wot
dey go for? in de winter, too! Lors! Well, honey, I wish yer a mighty
fine time and a handsome husban' afore yer comes home. Lor' bress yer,
young mist'ess!"

"Thank you, Uncle Moses. Here is a trifle for you," said Cora, putting a
half eagle in his hand.

"Lor' bress yer, young mist'ess, how I do tank yer wid all my heart! I
nebber had so much money at one time in all my life!" exclaimed the
overjoyed old ferryman.

CHAPTER XXX.

FAREWELL TO VIOLET BANKS.

Along the north road, between the thickly wooded east ridge and the
swiftly running river, Corona drove on her last journey through that
valley. Three miles up, the road turned from the river, and, with
several windings and doublings, ascended the mountain side to the
elevated plateau on which were situated the beautiful house and grounds
called Violet Banks.

As the carriage reached the magnificent plateau, Corona stopped the
horse for a moment to take in the glory of the view. In the midst of her
admiration of this scenery, two distinct thoughts were strongly borne in
on the mind of Corona. One was that Violet Rockharrt would never be
willing to leave this enchanting spot to make her home at Rockhold. She
might consent to do so to please others, but she would suffer through
it.

The other thought was that old Aaron Rockharrt would never consent to
live in a place which, however beautiful it might be, was too difficult
of access and egress for a man of his age.

What, then, could be done to cheer the old man's solitude at his home?
The only hope lay in the chance of Mr. Clarence finding a wife who might
be acceptable to his father, and bringing her home to Rockhold.

The carriage drew up before the long, low villa, with its vine-clad
porch, where, though the roses had faded and fallen, the still vivid
green foliage and brilliant rose berries made a gay appearance.

Violet was not sitting on the porch, beside her little wicker workstand
basket, as she always had been found by Cora in the earlier months of
her residence there, but, nevertheless, she saw her visitor's approach
from the front windows of her sitting room, and ran out to meet her.

"Oh, so glad to see you! And such a delightful surprise!" were the words
with which she caught Cora in her arms, as the latter alighted from the
carriage.

"How well you look,