avender will be ready to come to their new home."

At another time such a request on the part of Miss Tredgold would have
enraptured Pauline; but she knew that it only wanted five minutes to six,
and she doubted if Nancy would consent to be kept waiting long.

"No," she answered slowly; "my head aches. Please, I would rather not
take a drive."

She did not wait for Miss Tredgold's response, but continued her slow
walk.

"The poor child is certainly ill," said the good lady. "If she continues
to look as poorly and as sadly out of sorts next week I shall take her to
the seaside."

"Will you, Aunt Sophy? How lovely! Do you know that Paulie and I have
never been to the sea? We do so long to see it!"

"Well, my dear, I shall take you all presently, but I can't say when.
Now, as Pauline does not want to drive with me, I shall go into the house
and finish some of my arrangements."

Miss Tredgold went indoors, and Verena joined Briar and Patty, who were
in a great state of excitement.

Meanwhile Pauline had reached the wicket-gate. She opened it and went
out. Nancy was waiting for her. Nancy's cheeks were flushed and her eyes
bright. She looked as if she had been quarreling with somebody. Pauline
knew that look well. Nancy's two friends Becky and Amy were standing at a
little distance. There was a small governess-cart drawn up not far away,
and Becky was stroking the nose of a rough little Forest pony.

"Father gave me the cart and pony this morning," said Nancy. "There's
nothing he wouldn't do for me. The pony and cart aren't much, perhaps,
but still it is fun to have them to fly over the place. Well, and how
goes her little high-and-mightiness? Frumpy, I can see. Grumpy, I can
guess. Now, is Pauline glad to see poor old Nance--eh?"

"Of course, Nancy; but I have come to say----"

"We'll have no 'buts,' darling, if you please."

"I can't come to the picnic, Nancy; I really cannot."

"How white poor little Dumpy looks! Wants some one to cheer her up, or
she'll be dumped and frumped and grumped all in one. Now, darling, I'm
going to put my arm round your waist. I am going to feel your little
heart go pit-a-pat. You shall lean against me. Isn't that snug? Doesn't
dear old Nancy count for something in your life?"

"Of course you do, Nancy. I am fond of you. I have always said so,"
replied Pauline.

"Then you will yield, darling, to the inevitable."

"I am yielding to it now," replied Pauline. "I am not going wit