"There they are in the garden yonder; at least, there am Mrs. Lester in the strawberry-patch, and there am her husband, off further in the fields."
"I will go to her," said Ida, stepping quickly from the carriage.
So busy was Mrs. Lester with her task of gathering the ripe fruit, that she did not know of the presence of her visitor until she stood beside her.
"Mrs. Lester," said a quick, eager, husky voice, "I do hope I have not surprised you this morning."
"Well, well, you have surprised me, for a fact. I suppose you want to get something from the store."
"Yes, I do, but not just now," returned Ida, with feverish impatience. "Let me sit down here a few moments and talk with you."
"Certainly," said the woman; "but I haven't anything out here to invite you to sit upon, save that little garden-seat which I always take around with me, so that I can rest myself when I get tired."
"It will do very well, thank you," said Ida, feeling so weak and faint that she could hardly stand.
"I have not seen you nor your little child lately," began Ida.