“I ought not to sit down,” Hilda panted. “Oh, dear! Let me get my breath! Do you see how awfully fat I am? and my husband don't weigh but a hundred and twenty—think of that! A sparrow for a protector! If ever I wanted to get behind him to escape a mouse or anything, what should I do?”
“Where is he?” asked Nannie.
“What—the mouse?” screamed Hilda.
“No,” said Nannie, “the husband;” and then the two fell a-laughing in the old foolish way.
“Husband! Oh, I thought you'd have something of that kind around, and one would be enough for to-day.”
“No, really! Where is he?”
“Over on the other side of the ravine. You see, we missed the road and got entangled in the forest. Ye gods! how literally you've taken to the woods, Nannie! Well, DeLancy didn't feel he was equal to a climb, so I came alone, presumably to find the road, but I couldn't go on without seeing you, so I've stolen a visit.”
“You'd better!” said Nannie. “If ever you pass me by I'll haunt you!”
“I know that. I always was afraid of you. I always said you were a little——”
“Sh-h!” said Nannie, imitating Prudence Shaftsbury's air and manner.