“Is it the perfection of art, or can it be the perfection of nature?”

But Karl was saying rather gloomily,—­

“And what is to become of us, Dora?”

“Kitty and you?” asked Dora, open-eyed.  “Why, of course, you are to come too!  Did you suppose I wanted to leave you?  Of course, it is your home and mine, just as this house has been:  we are all one family, you know.”

“To be sure.  Well, I fancy there will be something for me to do on your Outpost farm.  You must make me overseer.”

“No:  you shall be confidential adviser; but I am going to oversee every thing myself, and you must go on with your medical studies.”

“You are going to become practical farmer, then?” asked Mr. Burroughs, raising his eyebrows never so slightly.

“Yes, sir; not to really work with my own hands out of doors, you know, but to see to every thing.  At first, I shan’t understand much about it, I suppose; but I shall learn, and I shall be so happy!”

“And how soon will you be ready to go?” asked Mr. Burroughs.

Dora considered for a moment, “To-day is Thursday.  I think we might start Monday morning; couldn’t we, Karl?”

“And meantime sell this place and furniture?” asked Mr. Windsor, smiling.

“Not sell, but let the place.  There is Jacob Minot would be glad to hire it, and a good tenant too.  As for the furniture, we had better carry it with us.  Shall we have to build a house when we get there, Mr. Burroughs?”

“Yes.  Col.  Blank had selected a site, and made some little beginning:  I believe nothing more than having the land cleared and a cellar dug, however.  You will begin with a log-cabin; shall you not?”

“Yes:  I suppose so.  Well, Karl, mightn’t we start on Monday?”

“Not in heavy marching order, I am afraid; but very soon, if you are quite determined.”

“Yes, quite; but what will Kitty think?” asked Dora suddenly.

“Oh!  I think she will like it.  Here she comes, and we can ask her.”

The crisp rustle of muslin skirts swept down the stairs; and Mr. Burroughs, turning his head, saw standing in the doorway a tall, handsome brunette, with masses of black hair rolled away from a low forehead, glancing black eyes, and ripe lips, showing just now the sparkle of white teeth between, as the young lady half waited for an introduction before entering.

“Mr. Burroughs, Kitty; my sister, sir,” said Karl, rising, and handing a chair to Kitty, who, with rather too wide a sweep of her bright muslin skirts, seated herself, and said, half laughing,—­

“I suppose you are through with your secrets by this time?”

“We were just wanting to tell you the new plan, and see how you will like it,” said Dora quickly; for she felt an involuntary dread lest Kitty should, in presence of this courteous stranger, say something to do herself discredit.

CHAPTER XXV.