"You do not seem to be in any hurry to-day," laughed Iris, eyeing her aunt sideways.
"No; for it is not often that I indulge myself in going out for a stroll," answered Mrs. Kemp, "and I need to make the most of it. If I am not back at the usual time Dorothy will superintend affairs—bless her dear little heart! Why, she's a regular little jewel about the house, even with her affliction."
This praise of Dorothy was anything but pleasant to Iris, especially when Kendal was present, and she turned the conversation at once into another channel.
As they neared the house they met one of the servants hurrying down the road.
"You are the very person I am looking for, ma'am," he cried, breathlessly. "There is something the matter with the range, and they are all in a stew over it, not knowing what to do until you come."
"Good gracious! if I step out of the house for a moment something is sure to happen," cried the good old lady, despairingly. "Say that I will be there directly, John;" and much to Iris' relief, she hurriedly left them.
"Why need we hasten?" said Kendal, in a low voice. "This is the pleasantest part of the afternoon."
"I am in no hurry," assented the girl.
"We will linger here in this delightful spot, and I will gather you some autumn leaves," cried Harry. "Would you like that?"
"Yes," she assented; "if you will help me to weave them into garlands."