"Only a few. There's Allen Washburn, I want to speak to him," and Will ran off uncermoniously, to join a tall, good-looking young man who was on the other side of the street. The latter, seeing the girls, raised his hat, but his glance rested longest on Betty, who, it might have been observed, blushed slightly under the scrutiny.
"Allen always has a book with him," murmured Amy.
"Yes, he's studying law, you know," spoke Betty.
Some other girls joined the four then, and Percy, seeing that he was rather ignored, had the sense to leave, making an elaborate departure, after what he considered the correct English style.
"Thank goodness!" murmured Mollie. "Puppies are all right, but I like better-trained ones!" and her dark eyes flashed.
"Billy!" exclaimed Grace, reproachfully, shaking an accusing finger at her friend.
"Well, you don't like him any more than—than Betty does!"
"Hush!" warned the Little Captain. "He'll hear you."
"I don't care if he does," was the retort.
Gradually the main part of the town had been left as the girls walked slowly on. Houses were fewer now, and the trees not so large, nor well cared for. The sun seemed to increase in warmth as it approached the west, wherein was a bank of fluffy clouds that soon would be turned into masses of golden, purple and olive.