"Jack-we-li-ner! Jack-we-li-ner!"
Jaquelina's face faded in a frown of shame and annoyance. She rose, with a hurried excuse, and, promising to return, went to the house.
"Aunt Meredith, I have company," she said, a little impatiently, to the red-faced, cross-looking woman in the doorway.
"Where?" asked Mrs. Meredith, looking around, bewildered.
"Out in the orchard—Miss Violet Earle, with her brother and his friend," said Jaquelina. "I should like to go back if you can spare me."
"I can't spare you. I want you to tend Dollie while I run over to Mrs. Brown's on a matter of business," Mrs. Meredith said sharply.
"Can I take Dollie to the orchard with me? It is very warm and sunny there," said Jaquelina, timidly.
"Yes, take her if you choose—I don't care," said her aunt, as she slipped on her sunbonnet and hurried off to a gossiping neighbor's.