"Then I don't want the pony-cart," exclaimed Allison, quickly. "I'm going down to the depot to meet them."
The depot was in sight of The Beeches, not more than three minutes' walk distant.
"Can't go back on your trade!" sang out Elise. "Can't go back on your trade!"
"Oh, you take it, Elise," coaxed Allison. "It's my regular turn to-morrow. I'll make some fudge in the morning, if you will."
Elise considered a moment. "Well," she said, finally, "I'll let you off from your trade if Kitty will let me off from mine."
"No, sir!" answered Kitty. "A trade's a trade. I want that paper boy doll."
"But it's your regular turn," coaxed Elise, "and I'd much rather go down to the depot to meet the girls than go riding."
"So would I," said Kitty, spurring the procession of ants to faster speed with her slipper toe. Then she sat up and considered the matter a moment.
"Oh, well," she said, presently, "I don't care, after all. If it will oblige you any I'll let you off, and take the pony myself."
"Oh, thank you, sister," cried Elise.