I do not know what the pale, grave lips would have answered to this mocking spirit, for at that moment Dr. Van Anden and the black ponies whizzed around the corner, and halted before the gate.
"Sadie," said the doctor, "are you in the mood for a ride? I have five miles to drive."
"Dr. Van Anden," answered Sadie, promptly, "the last time you and I took a ride together we quarreled."
"Precisely," said the Doctor, bowing low. "Let us take another now and make up."
"Very well," was the gleeful answer which he received, and in another minute they were off.
For the first mile or two he kept a tight rein, and let the ponies skim over the ground in the liveliest fashion, during which time very little talking was done. After that he slackened his speed, and leaning back in the carriage addressed himself to Sadie:
"Now we are ready to make up."
"How shall we commence?" asked Sadie, gravely.
"Who quarreled?" answered the Doctor, sententiously.
"Well," said Sadie, "I understand what you are waiting for. You think I was very rude and unladylike in my replies to you during that last interesting ride we took. You think I jumped at unwarrantable conclusions, and used some unnecessarily sharp words. I think so myself, and if it will be of any service to you to know it, I don't mind telling you in the least."