"How ungallant," she returned; but she looked so very innocent that I was more than ever convinced she had seen him before his departure.
One thing I could say for Mrs. Dennison, she never troubled her hosts to entertain her. Directly after breakfast, she went, as usual, her own way, and Jessie and I were free to start upon our expedition.
"We had better go at once," I said; "there is no telling when she may dance in upon us again."
"You don't like her, Aunt Matty," replied Jessie; "I am sure you don't, yet she is very charming."
"Never mind; there is no time to discuss my fancies," I said. "Get your bonnet, Jessie."
She hesitated and grew a little pale, but complied at once. We were ready in a few moments, and, passing through the garden, went down the path by the grove, and took our way across the fields to the old house.
Jessie was very silent during our walk, and I was so much occupied with my plans and my fancies that I had little time to break the thread of her thoughts.
When we reached the gate that led into the door-yard, Jessie stopped.
"Oh, I am so frightened," she said.
Poor child! she was very pale, and shook from head to foot with an agitation that reminded me painfully of her mother's nervous excitements. I did my best to soothe her, but, in spite of her efforts, it was some moments before she could go on.