CHAPTER XXIV.
AN AFTERNOON DRIVE The next Saturday Mr.Fairfield proposed that they all go for a drive to Allaire.
"What's Allaire ?" said Patty.
"It's a deserted village," replied her father.

"The houses are empty, the old mill is silent, the streets are overgrown; in fact, it's nothing but a picturesque ruin of a once busy hamlet." "They say it's a lovely drive," said Nan.

"I've always wanted to go there." "The boys will be down by noon," said Mr.Elliott, "and we can get off soon after luncheon.

Do you suppose, Fred, we can get conveyances enough for our large and flourishing family ?" "We can try," said Mr.Fairfield.

"I'll go over to the stables now and see what I can secure." On his return he found that Hepworth, Kenneth, and Frank had arrived.
"Well, Saturday's children," he said, "I'm glad to see you.