"I think it best to postpone the reading of the last story until after supper," said Quincy.
Alice assented, and, turning to Rosa, asked, "Do you like the country, Miss Very?"
"To speak honestly," replied Rosa, "I do not. I told Mr. Sawyer so on the train. It is hotter in the country than it is in the city. I can't bear the ticking of a clock in my room, and I think crickets and owls are more nerve-destroying than clocks, and I positively detest anything that buzzes and stings, like bees, and wasps, and hornets."
"But don't you like cows, and sheep, and horses?" asked Alice; "I love them."
"And I don't," said Rosa frankly. "I like beefsteak and roast lamb, but I never saw a cow that didn't have a ferocious glare in its eye when it looked at me." Both Quincy and Alice laughed heartily. "As for horses," continued Rosa, "I never drive alone. When I'm with some one I alternate between hope and fear until I reach my destination."
"I trust you were more hopeful than fearful on your way from Eastborough Centre," said Quincy.
"Oh! I saw at a glance," remarked Rosa, "that you were a skilful driver, and I trusted you implicitly."
"I have had to rely a great deal upon Mr. Sawyer," remarked Alice, "and, like yourself, I have always placed the greatest confidence in him. Huldy told me this morning, Mr. Sawyer, that I would miss you very much, and I know I shall."
"But you will have Miss Very with you constantly," said Quincy.
"Oh! she does not like the country," continued Alice, "and she will get homesick in a little while."