Part 15 (1/2)

”We're coming to take you driving, too,” Pauline said. ”Just at present, it doesn't seem as if the summer would be long enough for all the things we mean to do in it.”

”And you don't know yet, what we are to do this afternoon?”

”Only, that it's to be a drive and, afterwards, supper at the Brices'.

That's all Josie, herself, knows about it. Tom had to take her and Mrs. Brice into so much of his confidence.”

Through the drowsy stillness of the summer afternoon, came the notes of a horn, sounding nearer and nearer. A moment later, a stage drawn by two of the hotel horses turned in at the parsonage drive at a fine speed, drawing up before the steps where Pauline and s.h.i.+rley were sitting, with considerable nourish. Beside the driver sat Tom, in long linen duster, the megaphone belonging to the school team in one hand.

Along each side of the stage was a length of white cloth, on which was lettered--

SEEING WINTON STAGE

As the stage stopped, Tom sprang down, a most businesslike air on his boyish face.

”This is the Shaw residence, I believe?” he asked, consulting a piece of paper.

”I--I reckon so,” Pauline answered, too taken aback to know quite what she was saying.

”All right!” Tom said. ”I understand--”

”Then it's a good deal more than I do,” Pauline cut in.

”That there are several young people here desirous of joining our little sight-seeing trip this afternoon.”

From around the corner of the house at that moment peeped a small freckled face, the owner of which was decidedly very desirous of joining that trip. Only a deep sense of personal injury kept Patience from coming forward,--she wasn't going where she wasn't wanted--but some day--they'd see!

s.h.i.+rley clapped her hands delightedly. ”How perfectly jolly! Oh, I am glad you asked me to join the club.”

”I'll go tell Hilary!” Pauline said. ”Tom, however--”

”I beg your pardon, Miss?”

Pauline laughed and turned away.

”Oh, I say, Paul,” Tom dropped his mask of pretended dignity, ”let the Imp come with us--this time.”

Pauline looked doubtful. She, as well as Tom, had caught sight of that small flushed face, on which longing and indignation had been so plainly written. ”I'm not sure that mother will--” she began, ”But I'll see.”

”Tell her--just this first time,” Tom urged, and s.h.i.+rley added, ”She would love it so.”

”Mother says,” Pauline reported presently, ”that Patience may go _this_ time--only we'll have to wait while she gets ready.”

From an upper window came an eager voice. ”I'm most ready now!”

”She'll never forget it--as long as she lives,” s.h.i.+rley said, ”and if she hadn't gone she would never've forgotten _that_.”

”Nor let us--for one while,” Pauline remarked--”I'd a good deal rather work with than against that young lady.”

Hilary came down then, looking ready and eager for the outing. She had been out in the trap with Pauline several times; once, even as far as the manor to call upon s.h.i.+rley.

”Why,” she exclaimed, ”you've brought the Folly! Tom, how ever did you manage it?”