"I have been here twice before," said Kitty. "What do you say to having a row? Mary, what do you wish?"
"If you will allow me to do exactly what I like," said Mary, "I don't want anyone to guide me; I want to wander here, there, and everywhere just at my own sweet will. I have brought my little sketch-book with me, and mean to sketch some of these splendid old trees. Mother is so fond of outdoor sketches, and I could seldom indulge her with anything so fine as I could get in an old place like this. Just go off where you please, girls, and don't bother about me."
Off ran Mary on her sturdy legs, and Florence looked after her with a laugh.
"Poor Mary," she said, in a contemptuous tone.
"Why poor?" asked Kitty; "I think Mary is such a downright, jolly, sensible sort of girl."
"Oh, very downright and sensible," said Florence. "Kitty, do you really want to go in the boat?"
"Not if you don't want to go," said Kitty, looking somewhat anxiously at her companion.
"But I see you do; I notice the expression in your eyes."
"Well, it's very sweet in the boat, it does soothe one so; the last time I was there it was with father; but never mind, I won't go if you would rather not. Shall we sit under this tree and talk?"
"Yes, let us," said Florence. "I feel very cross to-day; I don't exactly know what is the matter."