there was a thrill about it, and a sense
of adventure, which goodness never brought. Oh, yes, it was well worth
the risk and danger. Her two little sisters partook of Pauline's
feelings. They all easily reached the ground, and when they found
themselves outside in the middle of the night, it was with difficulty
that Briar could keep from giving a shriek of ecstasy.

"I suppose it's because I'm so awfully naughty that I enjoy it so," she
said.

"Come along; don't speak," said Pauline.

She took a hand of each sister. They ran quickly over the dew-laden
grass. Their feet soon got wet, for they had forgotten to put on strong
shoes. But what mattered that? What did small discomforts signify when
the grand total of pleasure was so enormous?

They opened the wicket-gate, and Pauline found herself immediately in the
strong embrace of Nancy King.

"There you are, darling!" she cried, bestowing a resounding kiss on her
cheek. "I feared that the she-dragon would waken and call you back; but
you are here, and you have brought--let me see. Oh, you are Patty, are
you not? And Briar? You are my friends for ever now. Oh, we shall have
fun! The wagonette is here, and the dogcart; there are a party of us, and
a lot more coming to meet us at the rendezvous. We shall have the most
glorious time you ever imagined."

As Nancy spoke she called out to two girls who were standing in the
shadow.

"Becky, this is Briar Dale--in other words, Rose Dale. You are to see
after her. Amy, Patty Dale is your charge. Now let us get into the
wagonette, for it is the snuggest of all the carriages, and the horses
are so fleet. Listen how they are pawing the ground; they're mad to be
off. Oh, here's father! Father, three of the young Dales have come."

"Pleased to see you, I'm sure," said the farmer. "It's a warm night for
the time of year."

The little girls did not answer. Even Pauline, now that she had met the
rest of the party, felt curiously silent. A weight seemed to rest on her.
Her wild and riotous spirits had died down. Her conscience was not
troubling her, but she felt depressed, she scarcely knew why.

"I want something to poke me up," she said to herself. "I thought I'd be
quite riotous with bliss when I met Nancy. I don't feel riotous; and, oh,
how white the moonlight is making Briar look! Briar," whispered Pauline
suddenly, "are your feet very wet?"

"Very: and they're getting so cold," said Briar.

"What are you talking about?"