Russell, who had declared himself a candidate for orders, built a pulpit at one end, which was really quite an ingenious affair. In this, he officiated as minister nearly every day in the week. Here, too, they kept store, played "come and see," or rolled hoop in rainy weather.
Out of doors, the chickens, the lambs, and the pony were unfailing sources of delight. Star, indeed, was a very important character. He was of a light sorrel color, with a white spot in his forehead, from which he received his name. The pony was the especial property of Master Forrest, a lad of twelve, the oldest of all the cousins.
Uncle George, his papa, thought him too old to spend all his summer in play, so he bought a working-cart for Star, and sent the boy out occasionally to labor with the hired men.
There was also a pony carriage, in which four of the cousins rode regularly to church.
I suppose some little girls and boys will inquire whether Helen, Ida, and Forrest studied any in those bright days. To be sure they did, though the lessons were short. When the trunks were packed, Sarah put in Helen's books, "just so that she sha'n't forget all she knows," mamma said.
In the winter she had been studying very hard, and was getting on finely. Now she had a short lesson in geography, history, and French; and Ida recited with her.
Forrest recited, too, to his mamma; but his delight was to get a new book, when he would seat himself in the midst of the children and devour it. They might talk, and laugh, and sing, and shout; but he heard nothing.
Forrest was a manly boy, rather grave and reserved, quite unlike his Cousin Russell, who was always ready for any kind of fun.
THE AUGUST TREE.