They were seated on the floor, as usual. Presently Lena appeared.
"Fetch the walking dresses—the brown and the black," said Helka. "We are going out in the woods."
"Sam did not go to town," ventured Lena.
"Why?" asked the queen sharply.
"I don't know. He asked if you were going out."
"Indeed! Perhaps he expects to walk with us. Well, don't hurry with the things. We have all day."
Cora was disappointed. The very thought of getting out of doors had brought her hope—hope that some one might see her, hope for something so vague she could not name it.
"Can't we go out this morning?" she asked. "The day is so delightful."
Helka gave her a meaning glance. "I wish Sam would bring me some fruit," she said to Lena. "Tell him I have not had any for days, and say that the last—from the farm was delicious."
"All right," assented Lena, "I think he—will go."