There had
been no time to tell them about the accident on the ice and her
part in it. Her parents had much to discuss, much to decide
upon. The Scotch lawyer urged their presence before the court
having jurisdiction in the matter of the late Mr. Hugh Blake's
will, and that as soon as they could cross the ocean.
Transportation from the little Illinois town, across the
intervening states to the seaport, and thence, over the winter
ocean to Glasgow, and so on by rail to Edinburgh, was a journey
the contemplation of which, to such a quiet family as the
Sherwoods, was nothing less than appalling.
And there were many things to take into consideration that Nan
did not wholly understand. Mrs. Sherwood would require her
husband's undivided attention while she made the long and arduous
journey. The sea voyage was right in line with the physician's
opinion of what was needed to restore her health; but it was a
venture at best.
Had the family possessed plenty of money it is doubtful if Mr.
Sherwood would have risked more than a coasting voyage.
Conditions rising out of the legacy from the great uncle in
Scotland spelled necessity in this case. Of the little sum left
in bank, most of it would be required to pay the fares of Mr.
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