When they reached the station Mrs. Redmond and her party found that after all they had some time to spare. At five minutes past the hour they took their seats. "Standard time, Halifax time, hotel time, local time," hummed Martine. "I wonder which we're starting by."
Presently the conductor walked along the station platform to the little waiting-room, and from the open window they heard him speak to some one inside.
"Have you made up your minds yet, ladies, about going?" he asked in a polite tone.
"Oh, gracious, yes," exclaimed a shrill voice. "We were waiting for the bell;" and two elderly women hurried toward the train with their knitting in their hands. Amy had noticed them busily knitting there, in a corner, when she passed. It seemed, by the conductor's subsequent explanation, that knowing they were uncertain whether to go by that train or the next, he had patiently waited for them to decide.
Bear River was one of the places where Mrs. Redmond had planned to stay. After a short railroad journey that included a passage over some wonderful bridges, beyond which was a great extent of water, and after a drive of five or six miles, they found themselves gazing down at picturesque Bear River. The beautiful town sloped to a broad stream, its white houses and spires half hidden by trees.
"It reminds me of Switzerland," cried Martine.
"It's a dream," exclaimed Priscilla.
"I don't believe Fritz has seen anything more beautiful," added Amy.
"It deserves a more beautiful name," said Mrs. Redmond.
"But, really, mamma, it's named for Imbert, the explorer, and the name doesn't seem so bad when we think of that."