"Oh, General Putnam!" said Bessie: "so much the better. He will give a military air to the scene."
"Seventeen in all," said Aunt Faith; "the two wagons will be well loaded."
Bessie turned away her head, but not before Mr. Leslie had seen the smile on her face. "Miss Bessie is laughing at the idea of a possible break down," he said: "but for my part I am quite well able to walk home, and even help draw the wagon if necessary."
"Aunt Faith, how could you put Gideon Fish on the list?" said Bessie, as Sibyl and Mr. Leslie strolled off into the garden.
"Because I think you are somewhat unjust to him, Bessie; he has excellent qualities."
"Well, aunt, if you like him, will you be so kind as to entertain him when he comes?" said Bessie impatiently.
"Hey," said Tom, looking up, "Bess is getting mad! What fun!"
"There's Rose Saxon!" said Bessie; "how do you do, Rose? You are the first and shall have the heartiest welcome."
"What has gone wrong, Bessie? There is a wrinkle between your eyes that betokens something vexatious, I know," said Rose, taking a seat on the step.
"It is Gideon Fish," answered Bessie, in a low tone as Aunt Faith went into the sitting-room for a shawl.