Blarney Stone?"

"Why--no--I--"

"You didn't! You missed the greatest opportunity in your life."

"Oh, no, I didn't." replied Chester. "Far from it."

Lucy, rosy red, fled past her teasing uncle into the house.




CHAPTER IX.


A warm, gentle rain was falling. No regrets or complaints were heard at
Kildare Villa, for, as Uncle Gilbert said, the farmers needed it, he and
his people were comfortably housed, and the excursionists--meaning
Chester and Lucy--would do well to remain quiet for a day.

The minister had so far recovered that he walked unaided into the large
living room, where a fire in the grate shed a genial warmth. Chester and
Lucy were already there, she at the piano and he singing softly. At
sight of her father, Lucy ran to him, helped him to a seat, then kissed
him good morning.

"How much better you are!" she said.

"Yes; I am glad I am nearly myself again--thanks to Aunt Sarah," he