an excursion
Balfour, when the three started on their afternoon expedition, was in a particularly happy frame of mind.
"There's one advantage in working all summer—a half holiday seems ten times more valuable now than usually. Not that I'm working hard this summer, only my days are not my own, and I can seldom make plans; besides, I do begrudge the time that I have to take from study."
"Then you will probably think to-day wasted."
"No, indeed; besides, we are going to study nature, and—"
"A little French history," interposed Martine. "Did you not say that you would take us to an old battleground?"
"Yes, I hope to, for my steed is not like Jill. We can depend on getting somewhere with Lion, whereas Jill—"
"Mr. Frazer would say that she went fast enough the day he rode her in my company."
"It's a great thing for a horse to know when to stop, as well as when to go on. Whoa, Lion! There, we can leave him standing while we go up that little hill. It's said to be the site of an ancient French church. It may interest you."
Amy and Martine loudly praised the beauty of the scenery as they stood on the elevated land above the narrow, winding river.