The charming autumn days, which often come to Virginia in late October and early November, were now at their best.

Day after day, the sun shone brightly, but there was in the air an invigorating coolness, which made its radiance something to be sought for and not avoided.
It was just after dinner, and it was Saturday afternoon, when Miss Annie announced that she was going to see old Aunt Patsy, whom she had somewhat neglected of late.
"May I go with you ?" said Lawrence.
Miss Annie shook her head doubtfully.

"I should be very glad to have your company," she said, "but I am afraid it will be entirely too much of a walk for you.

The days are so short that the sun will be low before we could get back, and if you should be tired, it would not do for you to sit down and rest, at that time of day." "I believe," said Lawrence, "that my ankle is quite strong enough for me to walk to Aunt Patsy's and back, without sitting down to rest.

I would be very glad to go with you, and I would like, too, to see that venerable colored woman again." "Well," said Miss Annie, "if you really think you can walk so far, it will be very nice indeed to have you go, but you ought to feel very sure that it will not hurt you." "Come along," said Lawrence, taking up his hat and cane.
After a man has been shut up, as Lawrence had been, a pleasant ramble like this is a most delightful change, and he did not hesitate to manifest his pleasure.