At length she said, "Florry, will you walk over to Mrs.Carlton's with me?
I promised to go, and the walk will do you good, for indeed your cheeks are paler than I like to see them." "Certainly, Mary, but do you remember what father said about our remaining at home, to-day ?" "There is no danger, Florry, if we only look about us, and I really must go." "Well then, let us start at once." In a few moments they set out, equipped in large straw hats, and equally large gloves; in addition, Mary carried in her hand a basket, filled with herbs and flowers.
"If we walk briskly, we shall get there before any of the riders set forth.

Ah! I am mistaken, there they come.

Florry, don't go so near the street: that horseman in blue, looks as though he were riding on ice--see how his horse slides about!" A party of twenty or thirty thundered past, and the girls quickened their pace.

A few minutes' walk brought them to Mrs.Carlton's door, which closed after them.
That lady was reading, as they entered, but threw aside her book, and advanced joyously to greet them.

She kissed Mary affectionately, and cordially shook Florence's hand.
"I am glad you came, Mary.