“What is it?” said Lucy.
“I am rather afraid to tell you, for fear it will make you cry.”
“O no, mother; I shall not cry,” said Lucy.
“Well,” said her mother, “we shall see. The news is, that we are all going away this afternoon, and are going to leave you at home.”
“What, all alone?” said Lucy.
“Not quite alone; for Joanna will be here,” said her mother.
“Where are you going?” said Lucy.
“We are going away, to ride.”
“Why can’t I go too?” said Lucy.
“I can explain the reason better when we come back,” answered her mother.