"I suppose we ought to call on Eleanor before long," mused Grace. "She has invited us, and it's our duty to call on her first. Anne has already been there. Suppose we go over now; that is, unless you girls have something else to do."
It was decided at once that they could go, and soon the four chums were walking briskly down the street in the direction of "Heartsease." It was an Indian summer day and the girls congratulated themselves on having taken advantage of it. As school had closed at half past two, it was not yet four o'clock. They would have plenty of time for their call without hurrying themselves. So they strolled along, laughing and chatting in the care-free manner that belongs alone to the school girl.
As they neared the house one and all exclaimed at the beauty of the grounds. The lawn looked like a great stretch of green velvet, while the trees were gorgeous in their autumn glory of crimson and gold, with here and there a patch of russet by way of contrast. Over at one side were clumps of pink and white anemones; while all around the house and in the garden beds that dotted the lawn many-colored chrysanthemums stood up in brave array.
"What a delightful place 'Heartsease' is," cried Grace as she paused just inside the gate to feast her eyes upon its beauty. "Sometimes I think that autumn is the finest season of the year, and then again I like spring better."
"What difference does the season make, so long as we have a good time?" said Nora blithely. "I haven't any preference. They're all good."
"Eleanor will be surprised to see us," remarked Grace, as she rang the bell.
"Let's hope she will appreciate the honor of having four such distinguished persons descend upon her at one time," said Anne.
"Is Miss Savell in?" asked Grace to the trim maid who answered her ring.
"Yes, miss," replied the maid. "Come in. Who shall I say is here?"
"Say to Miss Savell that Grace Harlowe and her friends would like to see her."