"The best reason in the world. I don't want to."
"But I want you to go — for my sake, Lizzie."
"I won't do it for anybody's sake. And Rose — I think you take a great deal too much of Rufus's time. I don't believe he does his duty on the farm, and he can't, if you will call upon him so much."
"He's not obliged to do what I ask him," said Rose pouting; "and I'm not going to stay here if I can't amuse myself. But come! — you'll go in the bay after huckleberries?"
"I shall not stir. You must make up your mind to go without me."
Which Rose declared was very disagreeable of her cousin, and she even shed a few tears; but a rock could not have received them with more stony indifference, and they were soon dried.
The huckleberry expedition was agreed upon at dinner, Mr. Landholm being, as he always was when he could, very agreeable. In the mean time Winthrop took the boat and went out on the bay to catch some fish.
It was near the time for him to be back again, and the whole party were gathered in the keeping-room and in the door-way; Elizabeth and Mrs. Landholm with their respective books and work, the others, children and all, rather on the expecting order and not doing much of any thing; when a quick springy footstep came round the house corner. Not Winthrop's, they all knew; his step was slower and more firm; and Winthrop's features were very little like the round good-humoured handsome face which presented itself at the front door.
"Mr. Herder!" cried the children. But Rose was first in his way.
"Miss Cadval-lader!" said the gentleman, — "I did not expect — Mrs. Landholm, how do you do? — Miss Elisabet' I did not look for this pleasure. Who would have expect' to see you here!"