"My little girl looks pale to-day," he said, as he held her at arm's length.
"Yes, I didn't sleep well. I wish I could get out for a few hours. Can't you take me?"
"Sure, that's what I came for," he answered gaily.
"I don't feel much like riding, Jim. Can you get a good buckboard?"
"Why, yes, of course I can. Carson says I can have his double-harness buckboard any time, ponies and all."
"Good! Just the thing. I want to go out to Bylow's Corner to make a call, and maybe farther, if we can manage. I'll be ready by the time you are here with the rig."
She went to her desk and wrote a note to her father. Somehow, mother didn't seem to count.
Dear Dad: If I am not home to-night, I shall be with Aunt Collins.
Lovingly, Belle.
Then she put it in his tobacco jar, where he would be certain to see it on coming home for dinner, and where Ma Boyd would never dream of looking.