“We must start soon,” he said. “When will the baskets be ready? I wonder mother has not come in.”
“Is not she in?” asked Leslie, standing up to her full height, and pressing her hand to her forehead.
“Have you got one of your headaches back again, Leslie?” asked Llewellyn.
“Oh, just a little, very little; but the air will do me good. It will be lovely to-day on the river.”
“Yes, splendid,” said Llewellyn. “We will have tea at Twickenham, and go home in the cool of the evening. You cannot think how nice old Forrest has been about this. He gave me a holiday at once when I asked him this morning. He said that he only wished he kept a provision shop instead of a drapery shop, so that he might send us pies and things for our picnic.”
“But even though he does keep a linen-draper’s shop,” said Hester, “he could still help us. I, for instance,
should not at all object to materials for a new gown. This old serge is so thick and hot.”
“But if you put on a white shirt, dear, you will look as neat and nice as possible,” said Leslie; “and won’t be at all too warm.”
“Oh, I can’t be bothered,” said Hester, shrugging her shoulders. “I forgot to send my shirts to the wash on Monday, and I have not one fit to be seen.”
“Then it serves you right if you are hot and uncomfortable,” cried Kitty.