“I don’t know,” said Faith.
Esther did not care much about the mill. She hardly glanced at the big water-wheel, and was eager to get back to the house. Several times she reminded Faith of her promise about the maple candy. Faith had expected that she and Esther would be the best of friends, but the time before dinner seemed very long to both the children.
Soon after dinner Mr. Eldridge went on his way. He left his horse in Mr. Carew’s care, as he was to walk to the shore of Lake Champlain and trust to good fortune to find a canoe or boat in which he could cross the narrow strait to Ticonderoga. He would not return for a week, and he seemed greatly pleased that his little daughter was so contented to be left with her new friends.
“She is an only child, like your own little maid,” he said to Mrs. Carew, “and I am glad they are to be friends.”
They all walked down the slope with him, and watched him striding off along the rough path.
“He’s going to fetch me some rock-candy,” said Esther as they turned back to the house.
Mrs. Carew stopped at the mill, and the two little girls went back to the house.
“We’ll make the maple candy now, shan’t we?” said Esther, as they reached the kitchen door. “See, the kettle is all clean, and I know where the molasses jug is,” and before Faith could remind her that she had not yet asked permission, Esther was dragging the heavy jug from the pantry.
“Oh, look out, Esther. You’ll spill it,” cautioned Faith, running to help her.
“No, I won’t. Here, help me turn it into the kettle and get it over the fire before your mother comes back,” urged Esther, and the two girls lifted the jug and turned the maple syrup into the kettle. “There, that will make a lot of candy,” said Esther. “You stir up the fire and put on more wood.”