and it was of great consequence to them that this money should be spent
to the best advantage.

It was at last settled that Lucy should choose a book for each of
them--Henry's book was to be about a boy--and the rest of their money,
if any was left, was to be spent as Lucy thought might please them
best. So she took their money, and put it into her purse with her own.
She had two shillings, and she had settled it in her own mind that she
would buy nothing for herself, but spend some, if not all of it, for
her sister and brother.

The family were all up at six o'clock, and soon afterwards they might
be seen seated before the open window of the parlour at breakfast,
those who were going being quite ready.

Emily and Henry, who were to be left, were to have no lessons to do,
but their father and mother advised them not to tire themselves in the
early part of the day by running about, but to amuse themselves during
the very hottest hours with something quiet. Mr. Fairchild also
reminded them that they must not go beyond the bounds in which they
were always allowed to play.

"I hope we shall be good, mamma," said Emily, "I hope we shall!" And
Henry said the same.

Henry ran out to the gate to look for the carriage after he had taken
breakfast, and he got to the very highest bar, and looked along the
road, which he could see a great way, because it came down a steep hill
from Mrs. Goodriche's house.

It was hardly more than a black speck on the white road when he first
saw it, and then he lost sight of it as it descended into the valley,
and he heard it rattle and jingle before he got sight of it again; but
when he was sure of it, he ran to the house, and you might have heard
Lucy's name from the very cellar to the roof.

Emily was with Lucy in their little room, and she was holding her
gloves whilst Lucy tied her bonnet, and she was talking over the things
that were to be bought, when their brother's voice came up the stairs
as loud and sharp as if a stage-coach was coming, which would not wait
one moment for those who were going.

"I hope we shall not get into a scrape to-day," said Emily: "Henry has
forgotten the day when mamma and papa went out, and we behaved so ill;
what can we do to keep ourselves out of mischief?"

Lucy had no time to answer, for Henry was at the door, and there was
such a rub-a-dub-dub upon it that her voice could not have been heard.
At the same minute the hack-chaise had come jingling