s, her intense
happiness at being with her own Hetty for the greater part of a whole
day. Hester would ride her on her shoulder, would race with her; all her
usual companions would be as nothing to her on this occasion, she would
give herself up solely to Nan.

As she was dressing that morning she said a word or two to the child
about the coming treat.

"We'll light a fire in the wood, Nan, and hang a kettle over it, and make
tea--such good tea; won't it be nice?"

Nan clapped her hands. "And may I take out my little ummabella
(umbrella), case it might wain?" she asked anxiously.

Hester flew to her and kissed her.

"You funny darling!" she said. "Oh, we shall have such a day! You'll be
with your own Hetty all day long--your own Hetty; won't you be glad?"

"Me am," said Nan; "own Hetty, and own Annie; me am glad."

Hester scarcely heard the last words, for the prayer-gong sounded, and
she had to fly down stairs.

At dinner time the girls were discussing who would go with each, and all
were very merry and full of fun.

"Miss Danesbury will take the little children," said Miss Good. "Mrs.
Willis says that all the little ones are to be in Miss Danesbury's
charge."

"Oh, please," said Hester, suddenly, "may Nan come with me, Miss Good?
She'll be so disappointed if she doesn't, and I'll take such care of
her."

Miss Good nodded a careless acquiescence, and Hester proceeded with her
dinner, feeling thoroughly satisfied.

Immediately after dinner the girls flew to their rooms to prepare for
their expedition. Hastily opening a drawer, Hester pulled out a white
frock, white pique pelisse, and washing hat for Nan--she meant her
darling to look as charming as possible.

"Oh, dear, Miss Danesbury should have brought her here by now," she said
to herself impatiently, and then, hearing the crunching of carriage
wheels on the drive, she flew to the bell and rang it.

In a few moments one of the maids appeared.

"Do you know where Miss Nan is, Alice? She is to go to Burn Castle with
me, and I want to dress her, for it is nearly time to go."

Alice looked a little surprised.

"If you please, miss," she said, "I think Miss Nan has just gone."

"What do you mean, Alice? Miss Good said especially she was to go with
me."

"I know nothing about that, miss; I only know that I saw Miss Forest
carrying her down stairs in her arms about three minutes ago, and they
went off in the wagonette with all the other little child