a
few more hours, and better for Clarence, who need not by this
arrangement lose this day's work."

"Quite so," assented Mr. Fabian. "And now," he added, as light footsteps
were heard approaching the room, "here comes Violet. Not a word about
the journey until after breakfast."

They all went into the breakfast room, where a fragrant, appetizing
morning meal was spread.

How different this was from the breakfast at Rockhold on the
preceding-day, darkened by the sullen wrath of the Iron King and eaten
in the most gloomy silence! Here were affectionate attentions and jests
and laughter. Violet was in such gay spirits that her vivacity became
contagious, and Fabian and Clarence often laughed aloud, and Corona was
won to smile at her sallies.

At last Mr. Fabian arose with a sigh, half of satisfied appetite, half
of reluctance to leave the scene, and said:

"Well, I suppose we must be moving. Clarence, will you drive with me to
North End?"

"Certainly. That is all arranged, you know," replied the younger
brother.

"Mr. Fabian walked out into the hall, saying as he left the breakfast
room:

"Corona, a word with you, my dear."

Corona went to him, and he said:

"After you have had an explanation with Violet, persuade her to
accompany you to North End. You had better come in your own pony
carriage, my dear; it is so easy and the horse so safe. And then, after
you have left us, I can drive her home in the same vehicle. And, by the
way, my dear, what shall you do with that little turnout? Shall I send
it to Hyde's livery stable for sale? You can get double what was given
for it. And remit you the price?"

"No, Uncle Fabian; it is not to be sold. And I am glad you reminded me
of it. I have intended all along to give it to our minister's wife. She
has no carriage of any sort, and she really needs one, and she will
enjoy this because she can drive the pony herself. So, after I have
gone, will you please send it to Mrs. Melville, with my love?"

"Certainly, my dear; with the greatest pleasure. Cora, that is well
thought of. Now I must go up to the nursery and bid good-by to baby, or
her mother would never forgive me."

And high and heavy Mr. Fabian tripped up the stairs like a lamplighter.

Corona lingered in the hall, talking with Mr. Clarence, who had now come
there to put on his overcoat. Presently Mr. Fabian came hurrying down
stairs alone. He had left Violet in the sanctuary.

"Come, come, Clarence, hurry