"Why, the rain, to be sure, mamma," replied Herbert. "Hasn't it stopped our plans for the day?"
"They were of such consequence, I suppose," said Mrs. Ashcroft, laughing. "Here have I been hearing from every quarter that rain is greatly needed to help on the crops; and now when it has come, and all the farmers' hearts will be filled with rejoicing, my boy is filled with dismay!"
"Oh, but, mamma, you must own it is very provoking to have a wet day the very first one on my return," said Herbert.
"Well, perhaps it is vexatious, when we think of you as an individual, and banish from our minds the thousands it will benefit."
"Now, you are laughing at me, mamma," said Herbert sulkily.
"Nay, my son," said Mrs. Ashcroft, "I am sorry for you. But let me see if nothing can be done to make a wet day pleasant in-doors. I'm sure Carry will do her best to help."
"Might we make soap-bubbles, mamma?" said Caroline; "you said I might try to do it some day with the pipe uncle gave me."
"Well, I daresay you may, dear, if you put on an apron, and don't wet yourself."
After breakfast Caroline was not long in getting the soap and water ready, which she carried off to the school-room; and though Herbert at first called it a babyish game, and stood apart by the window watching the rain, he could not help joining his sister in the end.
"Oh, if you had only seen what lovely ones uncle made," said Caroline, "and how beautifully he tossed them up, making them float up to the very roof without bursting sometimes!"