[CHAPTER IV.]
MAMMA'S DRIVE.
IN the afternoon, just as mamma had finished her dinner, a beautiful carriage with two prancing horses drove up to the door. A lady had called to take her out for a drive in the park.
Mamma hesitated. She was timid about riding; and then it was Lily's birthday, and there were so many little ones in the nursery.
But papa came from the study, and ended the matter by saying,—
"You must go, my dear. The bracing air will do you good."
While she was absent, the children had various games. Sometimes they dressed up, and played they were visitors from the country. Helen was the lady of the house, and Frank and Russell made her a call; while Lily sat in a low chair, and rocked her dolly; and then they brought in the rocking-horse, and played go a journey.
By and by they grew tired, and were contented to sit quietly on the sofa, while Aunt Hatty told them a story. She had only just finished, when mamma returned, not refreshed, but pale and weary.
"What has happened?" asked Sarah, eagerly.
"Such a scene as I have witnessed!" exclaimed mamma, falling back in a chair quite exhausted. "I was so glad I didn't take Lily."