"The eight o'clock train," Dorothy overheard her father say. "And be sure to have the light buggy."
"She's coming on the eight," whispered Tavia to Nat. "What do you say if we waylay them and give her a snow bath to cool her off? I'd just like to sail into that lady."
Nat did not reply—the major was now in the surrey, and the little horse started off at a lively trot.
Numbers of cutters and sleighs passed them—every one seemed anxious to make sure of the first sleigh-ride.
One particularly handsome rig was just approaching.
"Whew!" exclaimed Nat. "Look at Agnes Sinclair—and that's Tom Scott with her."
It was indeed Agnes and Tom, in a new cutter with waving plumes at the dashboard, and as the rig passed along, Dorothy noticed that the plumes just matched Agnes' cheeks.
And it may as well be told now that when Agnes Sinclair and Tom Scott stopped at the post-office that very evening Tom posted a number of little notes for Agnes—an informal tea was to be given at Ferndale.
Every single person who got one of these notes knew exactly what it meant—the announcement of the engagement of Miss Agnes Sinclair to Thomas Dudley Scott.
Of course, Dorothy and Tavia were invited, and the card of Agnes' mother came with that of the daughter. Mrs. Sinclair and Mrs. White were close friends.