, Lucas," said 'Phemie, faintly.

"You've been brought up different from us folks," pursued the young
farmer. "And I can see that we look mighty silly to you gals from the
city. But I'll play fair. You let me be your friend, 'Phemie."

The young girl had to wink hard to keep back the tears. There was "good
stuff" in this young farmer, and she was sorry she had ever--even in
secret--made fun of him.

"Lucas, you are a good boy," she repeated, "and we both like you. You'll
get us away from here and let Sairy have her chance at the schoolmaster?"

"You bet!" he said. "Though I don't care about Sairy. She's old enough to
know better," he added, with the usual brother's callousness regarding
his sister.

"She feels neglected and will naturally be mad at Lyddy," 'Phemie said.
"But if we slip out during some recitation or song, it won't be noticed
much."

"All right," agreed Lucas. "I'll go out ahead and unhitch the ponies and
get their blankets off. You gals can come along in about five minutes.
Now! Mayme Lowry is going to read the 'Club Chronicles'--that's a sort of
history of neighborhood doin's since the last meetin'. She hits on most
ev'rybody, and they will all wanter hear. We'll git aout quiet like."

So, when Miss Lowry arose to read her manuscript, Lucas left his seat and
'Phemie whispered to Lyddy:

"Get your coat, dear. I want to go home. Lucas has gone out to get the
team."

"Why--what's the matter, child?" demanded the older sister, anxiously.

"Nothing. Only I want to go."

"We-ell--if you must----"

"Don't say anything more, but come on," commanded 'Phemie.

They arose together and tiptoed out. If Sairy saw them she made no sign,
nor did anybody bar their escape.

Lucas had got his team into the road. "Here ye be!" he said, cheerfully.

"But--but how about Sairy?" cried the puzzled Lyddy.

"Oh, she'll ride home with the school teacher," declared Lucas, chuckling.

"But I really am surprised at you, 'Phemie," said the older sister.
"It seems rather discourteous to leave before the entertainment was
over--unless you are ill?"

"I'm sorry," said the younger girl, demurely. "But I got _so_ nervous."

"I know," whispered Lyddy. "Some of those awful recitations _were_ trying."

And 'Phemie had to giggle at that; but she made no further explanation.

The ponies drew them swiftly over the mountain road and under the white
light of a misty moon they quickly turned into the lane leading to
Hillcr