“Oh, no, Phron!” protested Joel.
“I asked her to,” said Phronsie. “She used to ride a good deal, and she hasn’t had a chance for a long while. I want her to, Joel.”
“Any other time would do just as well,” began Joel. But Phronsie looked at him, and he hastened to add, “But of course it’s just as you please. Well, then, I shall drive you.”
“Yes, so you may,” cried Phronsie, well pleased, “and Amy too. Take us both, Joel, do.” She put her arm around the young girl affectionately.
Joel suppressed what he felt, and said, “All right,” and was just rushing out, when in ran King.
“Phronsie, where are Elyot and Barby?”
“Just over the east terrace,” said Phronsie. “I saw them a little while ago when you were at your lesson.”
“Well, they aren’t there now,” declared King in an injured tone. “Now, I know they meant to run away from me.”
“Oh, no, King dear!” said Phronsie, putting a gentle hand on his hot face.
“Well, where are they, then?” demanded King wrathfully.