"You have had a long stroll and look fatigued," remarked the fond parent, noticing her daughter's flushed cheeks and hurried respiration, as she flung herself into a large rocking-chair by the open window. Where is Fred.?"
"Gone home," said Alice.
"Why did he not come in and rest a while?"
"I forgot to invite him, I believe," returned Alice, briefly.
"And did you not ask him to call at any future time?"
"No, mother; he is going to Texas."
"Indeed! How long has he entertained that idea?" asked Mrs. Orville in a tone of astonishment.
"Not long, I fancy. I told him to find cousin Josephine and entreat her to write to me," said Alice, fanning her face with a great, flapping feather fan.
"I hope he may do so; and much do I wish your cousin might be here to pass the winter, for I fear you will be lonely without some companion of your own age," said Mrs. Orville, attentively regarding her daughter.
"O, never fear for me, mother!" returned Alice. "I assure you I have ample resources for enjoyment in my own breast. They only need occasion to be called forth and put in exercise."