“I am sure that is business-like,” said Nan, with a satisfied nod, for she never could do anything by halves; and she was so interested in her work that she would have been heart-broken if she thought one of the dresses would be a misfit; and then it was that Phillis, who had been watching her very closely, brightened up and proposed a game.
It was a very pretty sight, the mother thought, as she followed her girls’ movements; the young figures swayed so gracefully as they skimmed hither and thither over the lawn with light butterfly movements, the three eager faces upturned in the evening light, their heads held well back.
“Two hundred, two hundred and one, two hundred and two—don’t let it drop, Dulce!” panted Phillis, breathlessly.
“Oh, my darlings, don’t tire yourselves!” exclaimed Mrs. Challoner, as her eyes followed the white flutter of the shuttlecocks.
This was the picture that Mr. Drummond surveyed. Dorothy, who was just starting on her round, and was in no mood for her errand, had admitted him somewhat churlishly.
“Yes, the mistress and the young ladies were in; and would he step into the parlor, as her hands were full?”
“Oh, yes, I know the way,” Mr. Drummond had returned, quite undaunted by the old woman’s sour looks. 183
But the parlor was empty, save for Laddie, who had been shut up there not to spoil sport, and who was whining most piteously to be let out. He saluted Archie with a joyous bark, and commenced licking his boots and wagging his tail with mute petition to be released from this durance vile.
Archie patted and fondled him, for he was good to all dumb creatures.
“Poor little fellow! I wonder why they have shut you up here?” he said; and then he took him up in his arms, and stepped to the window to reconnoitre.