Up the road, about a mile beyond the college and the Harmon house, there
was a wilderness of ferns and sumac trees, ending in a stately pine
grove that marked the place where road and river met. Thither Blue and
Red were sent on the evening of Trenholme's picnic. They were dressed in
their new frocks, and had been started at the time all the picnic-goers
were passing up the road. They walked alone, but they were consigned to
Mrs. Bennett's care at the place of assembly. Several carriages full of
guests passed them.

"I'm growing more shy every moment," said Blue.

"So am I," sighed Red.

Young girls will make haunting fears for themselves out of many things,
and these two were beset with a not unnatural fear of young men who
would talk to them about flora and fauna. Sophia had told them that they
looked like ninnies when they appeared not to know what people meant,
and they could not endure the thought.

Sighed Blue at last, "Do you think it would be dreadfully wicked not to
go?"

All the guests had passed them by this time, for they had loitered
sadly. It was not that they were not proud of their clothes; they were
as proud as peacocks, and minced along; but then it was enough just to
wear one's fine clothes and imagine that they might meet somebody who
would admire them.

"Oh, Blue," said Red suddenly, withholding her steps, "suppose we didn't
go, and were to walk back just a little later, don't you think we might