“Annis is getting another nap, too,” Elsie remarked. “I peeped in at her just before I left my rooms.”
“Ah! then I hope she will not miss you.”
“Oh, let us have a brisk ride, won’t you, papa?” she asked as they passed out of the grounds into the highway.
“I see no objection,” he returned, smiling indulgently upon her; and away they flew.
Elsie had not been long gone when Annis awoke. She lay still for a little thinking. She remembered that to-day she was to begin lessons with her Cousin Horace, and the prospect was not altogether pleasant; she feared he would think her a dull scholar and not so far advanced in her studies as she ought to be.
Then it occurred to her that it was time to get up. The fire had been attended to and the room was very pleasantly warm. She threw back the covers and stepped out upon the thick soft carpet.
“Ah, is you gettin’ up, honey?” asked Aunt Chloe, peering in at the half-open door. “Ise done dressin’ my chile, and now I kin help you ef yous willin’.”
“Thank you, auntie, I’d be very glad to have you do up my hair and hook my dress. But where is Elsie? It is so quiet in there that I thought she was still asleep.”
“Yah, yah!” laughed the old nurse. “Miss Elsie, she’s done gone ridin’ wid Massa Horace.”
“Why, dear me! I must be shamefully late!” exclaimed Annis in dismay, and beginning her toilet in great haste.