people's provisions so recklessly.

But in that she had misjudged her genial hosts. Nothing was too good
for their guests, these or any others, and if the chickens meant for
breakfast were pre-empted for this midnight meal, why there were plenty
more in the hennery.

So, secure in her better knowledge of the elder Rodericks, Miss Mattie
sped about, flew in and out of the sitting-room, to tend the fire or add
some delicacy to Helena's daintily set table; the same that made her
stare at its difference from ordinary. Didn't seem possible that the
mere arrangement of cups and saucers, of knives and forks, could give
such an "air" to the whole place.

"Like brook trout, Mis' Ford?" asked the girl, upon one entrance. "You
men-folks like 'em, too?"

Assured that they were considered a great treat, Mattie advised:

"Well, you just wait! I know where there's a lot, in a basket in the
pool. Pa catched 'em to have 'em ready and I'll hike after 'em to onct.
You like to go along, Helena?"

Stately Helena smiled at the free masonry of the westerner and glanced
at Mrs. Ford, in inquiry:

"Yes, dear, go with her. I shan't be lonely, with Alfaretta left, flying
in and out busily. I declare, those kitchen odors _are_ savory! I hope
the wanderers will soon be here, that this new meal won't be kept till
spoiled, as Mrs. Roderick complained of the other."

Helena noticed that the lady expressed no further doubt about the safety
of the absentees and thus encouraged she gladly accepted Mattie's
invitation. Indeed, this whole trip was full of delightful novelty and
all the affectations which had once made Helena Montaigne disagreeable
to sensible people had been discarded, or outgrown.

Mattie's first preparation was to take off her shoes and stockings and
she advised the other girl to do the same. "Else you'll get 'em all dirt
going through the swamp to the pool. We don't have none too much water
hereabouts but what we have got is _wet_!"

"I couldn't go barefooted. My feet would hurt so. I'll have to risk the
shoes. I have others in my suit-case, wherever it is."

"Well, come on then. You can step light through the ma'sh and 'twon't be
so bad. Wait till I fetch a lantern."

"A lantern, in this moonlight?"

"Sure. 'Twon't shine into the woods. The trees are awful thick and
though I could go straight there and back, without stumbling once,
you're new to the way an' the light's for you. I don't want you to get
hurt just goin' f