I've come to carry your basket for you." "Why, you're really very kind," said she, as if she thought him slightly officious.
"Don't you remember you told me I might do so ?" he said, getting a little red under her cool inspection.
"When did I ?" "Two weeks ago, that evening poor George spoke in meeting." "Oh!" she answered, smiling, "so long ago as that?
What a terrible memory you have! Come in just a moment, please; I'm nearly ready." Whether she merely took his word for it, or whether she had remembered her promise perfectly well all the time, and only wanted to make him ask twice for the favour, lest he should feel too presumptuous, I don't pretend to know.

Mrs.Brand set a chair for him with much cordiality.

She was a gentle, mild-mannered little lady, such a contrast in style and character to Madeline that there was a certain amusing fitness in the latter's habit of calling her "My baby." "You have a very pleasant day for your picnic, Mr.Burr," said she.
"Yes, we are very lucky," replied Henry, his eyes following Madeline's movements as she stood before the glass, putting on her hat, which had a red feather in it.
To have her thus add the last touches to her toilet in his presence was a suggestion of familiarity, of domesticity, that was very intoxicating to his imagination.
"Is your father well ?" inquired Mrs.Brand, affably.
"Very well, thank you, very well indeed," he replied "There; now I'm ready," said Madeline.

"Here's the basket, Henry.
Good-bye, mother." They were a well-matched pair, the stalwart young man and the tall, graceful girl, and it is no wonder the girl's mother stood in the door looking after them with a thoughtful smile.
Hemlock Hollow was a glen between wooded bluffs, about a mile up the beautiful river on which Newville was situated, and boats had been collected at the rendezvous on the river-bank to convey the picnickers thither.

On arriving, Madeline and Henry found all the party assembled and in capital spirits; There was still just enough shadow on their merriment to leave the disposition to laugh slightly in excess of its indulgence, than which no condition of mind more favourable to a good time can be imagined.
Laura was there, and to her Will Taylor had attached himself.