It was nearly time to wind their way homewards, but they must have a little rest first, and one more look at the river and the woods, so they perched themselves about on the old tree roots, which formed most comfortable and convenient seats--all but Dan, who seemed to prefer to perch on a rock which stood in the middle of the river, which was shallower here and wider.

To get to it he had to take off his shoes and stockings and wade, which perhaps made up for the uncomfortableness of the seat when he reached it, and soon sent him wading back through the cool rippling water again.
The handkerchiefs of the family having been commandeered in place of a towel, and Dan's feet clad once more, they all sat on in a state of lazy, happy content, playing "Ducks and Drakes," or talking, until at last Kitty, looking at the sky, saw with a shock that the sun was already setting, and realizing that they still had the long walk home before them, roused the party to sudden activity.
They were all on their feet in a moment.

"I think we had better get out on the road by this gate, instead of going back to the house again," she said, hurrying towards one at the end of the field which brought them at once out on to the road.
"But hadn't you better pay Mrs.Henderson ?" questioned Betty, as she panted after her hurrying sister.
"Oh!" Kitty stood still and gasped, "I had quite forgotten! How stupid of me! I am glad you remembered, Betty," and they all streamed back to the farm again and into the little garden, more heavily scented than ever now as the flowers revived in the dew and cooler air.
Mrs.Henderson came out to them quite smilingly, and apparently not at all concerned about their debt to her.

In her hand she was holding a flower-pot with a sturdy-looking little rose bush flowering in it.
The children eyed it admiringly.

It had two delicate pink roses in full bloom on it, and several little buds.