"Thou hast a shrewd way of allotting matters. Poor Betty! It will be nice to ask her since you both have brothers to watch over you. And you will not stray very far? Then what delicacies will you have for supper?"
"Oh, we shall be hungry as wolves. I must see what Mistress Kent can give us. She thinks soldiers have grown hollow by much tramping and cannot be filled up."
Madam Wetherill smiled indulgently.
They all promised to come. Julius went out on Wednesday and brought in Betty, who was delighted with the outing.
But when Primrose opened her eyes at six in the morning there was a gentle patter everywhere, and dashes on the window pane. But, oh! how sweet all the air was, and the clouds were having a carnival in the sky, chasing each other about in the vain endeavor to cover up the bits of laughing blue.
"Patty," in a most doleful voice, "it rains!"
"To be sure, child," cheerfully. "What would you have on an April day? And if it rains before seven 'twill clear before eleven. There will be no dust for your walk."
"You are a great comforter, Patty. Are you sure it will stop by noon?"
"Oh, la, yes! April days can never keep a whole mind."
"That must be the reason I am so changeable."