There was a thunder-storm in the evening, as Rose Beaubien predicted. Just as it rolled away, a man and woman came down the Blue Hill road.
"Wait for me here a few minutes," said the man to his companion as they came to the stile. "I have forgotten something it won't do to leave behind me."
"Be sure you leave all safe," said the woman. "Had I not better go back with you?"
"No, stay where you are; you will have walking enough, and more than enough," replied her companion, not unkindly. "I will not be gone long, and I will leave all safe, never fear."
He went back to the house, entered it, and seemed to be busy for some minutes striking a match and lighting a lamp. Then he came out, closed the door, and rejoined his companion.
"Have you left all safe?"
"Yes, safe enough, never fear. Come on; we must be far from this by morning."
[CHAPTER III.]
AUNT CHRISTIAN.
SATURDAY passed at the McGregor farm, as Saturdays usually pass in New England, in getting ready for Sunday. All that could be cooked was cooked, and some extra dainties prepared, for Miss Baby, though she made her Sunday a day of rest, did not choose to have it a fast-day.