The sun, understanding his business perfectly, had not hurried one jot.

The clouds were merely spreading a dark background for some magnificent fireworks; in other words, a thunder-shower was coming up.
"Let's go right straight home," said Jennie; and Dotty was glad to hear the words, for in her own brave little heart she had determined not to be the first to surrender.
"Let's go across the fields," she replied; "it's the nearest way home." By this time heavy drops were pattering down on the long grass, and making a hollow sound on the little girls' hats.
"Why, it's raining," remarked Dotty.
"You don't say so," sniffed Jennie, whose temper was quite upset, "perhaps you think you're telling some news." Then came the frightful boom of thunder.
"What's that ?" whispered Dotty, with white lips.

"I'm afraid, Jennie; I certainly am." "For shame, Dotty Dimple! I thought you were the girl that knew all about God and the Bible.

I shouldn't think you'd be afraid of thunder!" "O, but I am!" was the meek reply.

"I'm as afraid as I can live." "There, hush up, Dotty! When you've been and got us into a fix, you'd better keep still." "I, Jennie Vance?
I never! What a story!" "You did, Miss Dimple; you spelt it out in the Reader,--'straw-bry;' or I shouldn't have thought of such a thing." "Well, I didn't care much about going, now truly, Jennie; for I don't feel very well." "You _seemed_ to be very much pleased.