And the others laughed, too, and began the long walk toward Hampton, as refreshed as if they were just starting out for the day.
The farmer stood in the doorway of his mill, and watched the departure with a friendly smile.
There is nothing so wonderfully satisfying as college Saturday afternoon, with all lessons forgotten—and only a restful Sunday in the immediate future. And such a perfect fall day as this!
The friends strolled leisurely along, enjoying the brilliant coloring of the trees, and the beautiful golden sunlight of a late October afternoon.
They had nearly reached Hampton village and Katherine was beginning to think that Peggy would reach Ambler House without discovering her mistake about the stockings when, with a thrill of horror, she heard her say, “Look at my feet, how dusty they are—you couldn’t tell what color shoes I had on.”
“But, oh, dear, if they aren’t blind they can tell what color stockings,” moaned Katherine to herself.
Politely Jim and their new friend glanced down at the dusty oxfords.
Jim gave a start and was about to speak, when Katherine saw him suddenly look at her feet, too. His eyes twinkled.
“Is that a—new fad?” he asked finally. “A fellow would never dare adopt anything so radical.”
“Is what a new fad?” demanded the unconscious Peggy, and then she looked down and saw.