'Who are you going with, Dimpey?' said Abby Matilda.
I knew well enough who would be likely to ask me, but as I had no invitation yet, I answered, 'Oh, Joe or Biel, I suppose; father won't trust me with anyone else!'
'Well, thank goodness, I can ride with whoever I please,' said Abby; 'I should think you were old enough to take care of yourself, Dimpey, if you're ever going to be;' and Abby Matilda tossed her head, and rolled up her shiny eyes in that hateful way she has.
'I wouldn't ride with some of the boys if they were to ask me, said Rhody; 'Will is a real good hand with horses, and he says that the tricks some people play with their animals are enough to ruin the finest horse ever was raised.'
'Who do you mean by some people?' said Abby, and she looked right scornful.
Rhody laughed: 'I didn't mention any names,' said she; 'but I know good driving from harum-scarum, wherever I see it.'
'I'm not afraid to ride behind any horses in this part of the country,' said Abby; 'and I think all cowards had better keep off Spring Mountain!'
I felt my face turn red; but I wouldn't please the spiteful thing by saying a word; so I bought my ribbon and started for home. I had to pass Mrs. Miller's farm on my way, and as I came along by the stone fence, I heard a great gee-hawing; they had just finished loading up the hay cart, I suppose, for Hiram—the hired man—turned the oxen toward the barn as I came up, and Race stood leaning his arms on the fence, and looking up the road; it's likely he was tired and hot, for he seemed to me uncommonly homely, and I was such a goose then, I thought looks was everything. He seemed to be thinking mighty hard of something, for he didn't see me till I got close to him, and then he gave such a start, and his face grew redder than ever!
'Good day, Dimpey!' said he; 'how are all your folks?'
'Very well, thank you, Race.'