She took a hand of each sister. They ran quickly over the dew-laden grass. Their feet soon got wet, for they had forgotten to put on strong shoes. But what mattered that? What did small discomforts signify when the grand total of pleasure was so enormous?
They opened the wicket-gate, and Pauline found herself immediately in the strong embrace of Nancy King.
“There you are, darling!” she cried, bestowing a resounding kiss on her cheek. “I feared that the she-dragon would waken and call you back; but you are here, and you have brought—let me see. Oh, you are Patty, are you not? And Briar? You are my friends for ever now. Oh, we shall have fun! The wagonette is here, and the dogcart; there are a party of us, and a lot more coming to meet us at the rendezvous. We shall have the most glorious time you ever imagined.”
As Nancy spoke she called out to two girls who were standing in the shadow.
“Becky, this is Briar Dale—in other words, Rose Dale. You are to see after her. Amy, Patty Dale is your charge. Now let us get into the wagonette, for it is the snuggest of all the carriages, and the horses are so fleet. Listen how they are pawing the ground; they’re mad to be off. Oh, here’s father! Father, three of the young Dales have come.”
“Pleased to see you, I’m sure,” said the farmer. “It’s a warm night for the time of year.”
The little girls did not answer. Even Pauline, now that she had met the rest of the party, felt curiously silent. A weight seemed to rest on her. Her wild and riotous spirits had died down. Her conscience was not troubling her, but she felt depressed, she scarcely knew why.
“I want something to poke me up,” she said to herself. “I thought I’d be quite riotous with bliss when I met Nancy. I don’t feel riotous; and, oh, how white the moonlight is making Briar look! Briar,” whispered Pauline suddenly, “are your feet very wet?”
“Very: and they’re getting so cold,” said Briar.
“What are you talking about?” said Nancy.