"I have brought you two more—O, they were left in the wagon!—and some books."
Sarah's eyes sparkled. "Would you mind running out? The boys have some rabbits down to the barn, and there's a great swing,—O, and loads of nuts! Do you ever go chestnutting?"
"I have been, but there are not a great many trees around Brookside."
"Here's a shawl; just wrap yourself head and ears in it. We're going down to the barn, mother."
They found Uncle Robert entertaining Jim and Steve, the latter of whom sat in wide-eyed astonishment; but the entrance of the girls broke up the conclave.
Sarah took, Kathie all round, showed her Whitefoot and Jenny, both of whom whinnied gratefully. Then there was the beautiful little Durham heifer that Jim was raising, hens of every variety, the rabbits, the loft strewn with corn, nuts, and strings, and packages of seeds.
Then Kathie must swing. Steve pushed her until the dainty kid boots touched the beam, and she experienced the sensation of standing upon her head.
In the midst of this a shrill blast from a horn reached their ears. Kathie started.
"That's for dinner. Father's gone to mill to-day with Mr. Ketcham, and he won't be home."