As I had no prospect of leaving New York, I thought nothing of it at the time; but now I determined to take the old gentleman at his word, and spend my enforced vacation in getting acquainted with my Virginia relatives.
This plan struck Terry as just one degree funnier than the fishing expedition.

The doctor, however, received the idea with enthusiasm.

A farm, he said, with plenty of outdoor life and no excitement, was just the thing I needed.

But could he have foreseen the events which were to happen there, I doubt if he would have recommended the place for a nervous man..