"Shopping!" echoed the young girl in incredulous surprise.
"Yes; do you think Philadelphia is the only place where one may shop?"
"No; but here in the woods?"
"Yes, here in the woods we can shop; we have already three stores."
So they donned their bonnets and sallied forth.
It was pleasant walking in the shade of the great forest trees, traversing at the same time woodland paths and village streets, the twitter of birds and rustling of leaves in the breeze mingling with the busy hum of human voices and the sound of the woodman's axe; for men were engaged here and there in laying the foundations for new dwellings or clearing spaces preparatory to doing so.
Not many rods from the General Anthony Wayne they came upon Dr. Clendenin and his friend Godfrey Dale, standing together in earnest conversation, while some workmen stood near apparently awaiting their directions.
The gentlemen lifted their hats, Kenneth with the grave, quiet smile Nell had learned to know so well, Godfrey saying "A pleasant morning, ladies."
"Are you going to build?" asked Mrs. Lamar, nodding in return.
"Yes; a double office with a hall between," said Dale. "We think it will be sociable."