"That I am quite satisfied to go at whatever time will best suit the
others; particularly our guests and yourself, papa."
"What do you say, Marcia?" he inquired of his cousin.
"That I find it delightful here, and feel assured it will not be less so
at Viamede; so am ready to go at once, or to stay longer, as you please."
Mrs. Dinsmore, Mr. Keith, and Annis expressed themselves in like manner.
"I think you would probably have pleasanter weather for travelling now
than some weeks later in the season," remarked Edward; "and whatever else
may be said of my opinion, it is at least disinterested, as I shall be
the loser if you are influenced by it."
"Why, what do you mean, Ned?" asked Zoe, in surprise. "Are we not going
too?"
"Not I, my dear; at least not for the winter: business requires my
presence here. I hope, though, to be able to join you all for perhaps two
or three weeks."
"Not me; for I shall not go till you do," she said with decision. "You
know you couldn't spare me, don't you?"
"I know I should miss you sadly," he acknowledged, furtively passing his
arm round her waist, for, as usual, they were seated side by side
on a sofa; "but I know how you have been looking forward for months to
this winter at Viamede, and I don't intend you shall miss it for my
sake.
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