“Thank you so much; it is very kind of you; but I promised to be back at the picnic in time for tea, and it is some miles away.”
“But Mrs. Teesdale takes a special pride in her tea,” said David, “and she has made it, so that we shouldn't keep you waiting at all.”
“So kind of you; but I'm afraid I have stayed too long already. I was just waiting to say goodbye to Mrs. Teesdale. Good-bye again——”
“Come, Miriam,” said Mrs. T., a little testily, “or we shall be offended!”
“I should be very sorry to offend you, I am sure, but really my friends lent me their buggy on the express condition——”
From her manner Mr. Teesdale saw that further pressing would be useless.
“We will let you go now,” said he, “if you will come back and stay with us as long as you can.”
“For a month at least,” added Mrs. T.
Miss Oliver looked askance.
“We are such very old friends of your parents,” pleaded David.