"
Violet's doubts and perplexities had vanished like morning mist before the
rising sun; her natural gayety of spirits returned, and she became again
as was her wont, the sunshine of the house, full of life and hope, with a
cheery word and sunny smile for every one, from Mr. Daly down to Rosie,
and from Aunt Chloe to the youngest child at the quarter.
She had not been so happy since the departure of her parents.
Eddie, Molly and the younger ones, reflected in some measure her bright
hopefulness, and the renewed ardor with which she pursued her studies, and
for some days all went on prosperously at Ion.
Then came a change.
One evening, Vi, having seen Rosie in bed, and bade Harold and Herbert
good-night also, returned to the schoolroom, where Eddie and their cousin
were busied with their preparations for the morrow's recitations.
She had settled herself before her desk, and was taking out her books,
when the sound of horses' hoofs coming swiftly up the avenue, caused her
to spring up and run to the window.
"It is grandpa," she said. "He seldom comes so late, oh, Eddie!" and she
dropped into a chair, her heart beating wildly.
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