“Mamma, Miss Pike is going to have—spelling-school to-night.”
Mrs. Gray’s eyes were closed; she did not appear to be listening.
“It’s in her schoolhouse at Rosewood, and anybody can go that chooses.”
“Ah?”
“Papa isn’t at home this morning.” A pause. “And Fred Allen and I—Now, mamma, I’m afraid you’ll think it isn’t quite best; but there’s a moon every night now; and did you ever go to an old-fashioned spelling-school, where they choose sides?”
“Flaxie, don’t make that noise with the comb,” said Julia. “I suppose you and Fred would like the horse and sleigh, and Fred hasn’t the courage to ask father; is that it?”
“Oh, may we go, mamma? Please may we go?”
“What, to Rosewood in the evening—two miles?”
“Oh, I wish I hadn’t asked you. I wish I hadn’t asked you; I mean I wish you wouldn’t answer now, not till I tell you something more.”