Lawrence ordered a carriage, and the party set out. He wished devoutly that it had numbered five instead of four, so that Rupert could have been sent outside. But the carnage held them all comfortably.
Dolly was a little uneasy at the travelling problem before her; however, no uneasiness could stand long against the charm of that morning's drive. The blessed familiar sun shone on a world so very different from all the world she had ever known before. On every hand were flower gardens; on both sides of the way; and in the midst of the flower gardens stood pleasant-looking country houses; while the road was bordered with narrow canals, over which drawbridges of extravagant size led to the houses. It was a rich and quaint and pretty landscape under the September sun; and Dolly felt all concern and annoyance melting away from her. She saw that her mother too was amused and delighted. Surely things would come out right by and by.
The town interested three of the party in a high degree.
"Well!" said Mrs. Copley, "haven't they learned here yet to turn the front of their houses to the street?"
"Perhaps they never will," said Lawrence. "Why should they?"
"Because things ought to be right, if it is only the fronts of houses," said the lady.
"I wouldn't mind which way they looked, if they would only hold up straight," said Rupert. "What ails the town?"
"Bad soil, most likely," returned Lawrence. "The foundations of Holland are moral, not physical."
"What do you mean by that?" said Mrs. Copley. "I am sure they have plenty of money. Is this the cathedral we are coming to?"
"St. Jans Kirk ."