iately to join them.
When you read this letter, which I received after my grandfather had
left me in anger this morning, you will understand all about it," said
Corona, drawing her brother's last letter from her pocket and handing it
to her uncle.

Mr. Fabian took it and read it carefully through; then returned it to
her, saying:

"Well, my dear, it does seem as if there were a fate in all this. But
what a journey is before you! At this season of the year, too! But,
Cora, do not let Violet know that the grandfather has discarded you. It
would grieve her tender heart too much. Just tell her that you are going
out to your brother. Do not even tell her so much as that to-night. It
would keep her from sleep."

"I will not hint the subject this evening, Uncle Fabian. I love Violet
too much to distress her."

"You will have to explain that your engagement with the Englishman is at
an end."

"Or, rather, that it has never had a beginning," said Corona.

"Very well," assented Mr. Fabian. "And now I must go and dispatch a
messenger to North End to fetch Clarence here to spend the night. A
hasty leave-taking at the railway depot would hardly satisfy Clarence,
Cora."

"I know! And I thank you very much, Uncle Fabian," replied Corona.

"Ah, Violet! here you are, just in time to take my place. I am going out
to send for Clarence to spend the evening with us," said Mr. Fabian, as
he passed his young wife, who entered the room as he left it.

Instead of sending a messenger, Fabian put his fastest horse into his
lightest wagon, and set off at his best speed himself. He reached North
End Hotel in twenty minutes, and burst in upon Clarence, finding that
gentleman seated in an arm chair before a coal fire.

"Anything the matter, Fabian?" he inquired, looking up in surprise.

"Yes! The devil's to pay! The monarch has driven his granddaughter from
court!" exclaimed the elder brother, throwing his hat upon the floor,
and dropping into a chair.

"You don't mean to say--"

"Yes, I do! Father has turned Cora out of doors because she refused to
marry the Englishman."

"Good Heaven!"

"Come! There is no time to talk! Cora is at my house. She leaves for
Washington to join Captain and Mrs. Neville, and go out with them to
Fort Farthermost."

"But, look here, Fabian. Why do you let her do that?"

"Don't be a fool! Who is to stop her if she is bound to go? Come, hurry
up; put on your overcoat and get into my trap, and I will ta