't bother about them,
Edith. The children will help me. Come along, Willy and Janet. Let's see
which can find the most spools."

Edith looked back doubtfully as, having put on her hat, she got into the
carriage. What would her basket be like when she next saw it? But it was
kind of Cynthia, and how much better Cynthia managed the children than
she did. What was the reason? She was thinking it over, when she heard
her name called loudly from behind, and, pulling in the horse quickly,
she waited, wondering what had happened now.

Cynthia came flying down the avenue. "Edith! Edith! Wait a minute! I
forgot to tell you. Don't say anything to papa about Jack's scheme, will
you? Let him tell."

"Oh, Cynthia, how you frightened me! I thought something dreadful was
the matter."

"But don't, will you, Edith? Promise! You know--well, Edith, Jack can
explain it so much better himself."

Cynthia was too kind-hearted to tell Edith that she would spoil it all
if she said anything first, but Edith knew that was what she meant. A
sharp reply was on her lips, but she controlled herself in time.

"Very well," she said, quietly, "I won't."

And then she drove on, and Cynthia went back to the house satisfied.

Edith had a quick, impatient temper, and it was not an easy matter for
her to curb her tongue. Her mother had died five years ago, when she was
but eleven years old. Then an aunt had come to live with them, but she
had lately married and gone to South America, and now there was no one
else, and Edith was considered old enough to keep house and look after
the children.

The road wound through the woods, with here and there a view of the
river, leading finally into the old New England town and forming its
main street.

Tall elm-trees shaded the approach to the village, and fine old houses,
with well-kept lawns in front, were to be seen on either side.

The horse that Edith drove was by no means a fine one, and the old buggy
was somewhat unsteady and rattled alarmingly. In other words, the
Franklins were poor, but they had hosts of friends; and as Edith entered
the village she nodded right and left to the various people she met.
Every one liked the Franklins, and the family had lived at Oakleigh for
generations.

As she reached the station the train came in. A throng of carriages
filled the broad space in front, and Edith was obliged to draw up at
some little distance from the cars. Presently she saw her father coming
tow