'I fear whether it isn't a risk, Jack?' she said.
'Not a bit, Mother. It's a lovely day—calm as a mill-pond, and will do you good as well as the little lady.'
'For half an hour only, then,' said Mrs. Wright, still doubtful of the wisdom of Jack's proposal.
'What is it? Oh, do tell me!' cried Estelle, flushing and paling with eagerness.
'Perhaps, if you eat a good dinner, I will take you out,' returned Jack, smiling. 'Now, if you want to hear any more, you will finish that plateful of fish.'
'Am I going out for a walk? Oh, how lovely! You will come too, dear Goody?' Estelle had learnt to call Mrs. Wright by this pet name.
'Well, you see, we have all to wait till that plate of yours is clear,' answered the old woman, laughing.
Estelle laughed also, and set to work. Her appetite had scarcely begun to be keen as yet, and Jack and his mother agreed that a little fresh air and sunshine might be good for her, if it could be managed without fatigue. Estelle was persuaded to eat all that was expected of her, and promised to lie still upon the couch till Mrs. Wright had cleared the table. Then, while Jack went out to make his preparations, his mother put on her bonnet, and collected some cushions and rugs.
(Continued on page [202].)
