Nelly and her cousin looked astonished.
"O father! That wasn't fair," cried Willie. "They wouldn't have spelt it at all."
"When I went to school," said his father, laughing, "any body in the class had a right to spell the word if the others missed it."
When the travellers stopped for dinner, it rained so hard, that Mr. Gray said he didn't know as they would be able to go on. They were in a small, poorly-furnished tavern; and it did not look as if they would have a very good time if they staid.
"We are quite comfortable behind," said the lady; "but it must be very bad for you."
"The boot comes up so high that it keeps the rain out, except from my face," said Mr. Gray. "Perhaps I can manage in some way to carry an umbrella."
"That would be too hard," replied the lady. "If you think it best, I am willing to stay."
After waiting at the tavern about two hours for the horses to rest, Mr. Gray told the children to make haste and put on their clothes, as the carriage was coming to the door. They did not know, until then, whether they were to go or stay.
"Do you think it best to go?" asked the lady. "It is raining so hard, I am afraid you will be very wet."
"O, look at the carriage, papa!" shouted Frankie, as it drove past the window.