"It isn't a real good-bye," whispered Martine to Yvonne; "I know that Mrs. Redmond will help me carry out those plans I spoke of. So au revoir."
From Meteghan to Little Brook they were to drive eight miles,—at least, all but Amy were to drive, while she, as before, was to wheel beside the carriage.
"You will stay in Little Brook a week," said the two Connecticut teachers, bidding them good-bye. "Don't forget the Hotel Paris. It's smaller than this," they added, smiling, "but you will find it entertaining in every way."
"We can't stay a week," Mrs. Redmond had replied; "already we need our trunks."
"And our letters," added Priscilla.
"Yes, they are waiting for us in Digby. You see this side trip to Clare was as unexpected as it has been pleasant."
But the farewells were at last all said, and with only one backward glance at the landlady and her children, the teachers, and the commercial traveller, the four turned their faces toward Petit Ruisseau,
... "'when brightly the sunset Lighted the village street.'"
sang Amy as they rode along. "Don't you remember that in 'Evangeline,' Priscilla?" she asked, for she was riding close to the carriage.
"It sounds familiar. We must find time to read Longfellow while we are at Little Brook."