“Where are you going?� he turned and challenged them.
“Oh! we might go to the mill to see Cousin Giles, or to Larkland to look at Cousin Mayo’s new pigeons, or to Happy Acres,� answered Patsy.
Dick strode on, and the girls trotted behind him, making amicable efforts at conversation.
“Steve Tavis has gone fishing with John and Baldie Eppes,� Anne remarked. “He said we girls might go, too. But Patsy and I thought there might be something—something more fun to do.�
No answer.
Patsy made an effort. “Dick,� she said, “I hope you’ll finish your garden work to-day. Father’s tired of excuses and he’s made up his mind for punishing. But even if we do get home late, I can help you.�
Silence.
“It’s a mighty nice day,� Patsy went on pleadingly, “to—to do outdoor things. You say yourself I’m as good as a boy to have around. I wouldn’t be in the way at all; and I could hold the candle for you.�
By this time they were at the mill where the Larkland road and the Happy Acres path turned from the highway. Dick kept to the main road and the girls followed. He stopped and faced them.
“You said you were going to the mill, or Larkland, or Happy Acres. Trot along!�