The distance was not long now, and Grace, noting the gathering clouds,
was glad of it.

"I'm sure I don't want to be caught in a storm," she said. "This stuff
shrinks so," and she glanced down at her velvet skirt. "I wouldn't
have it made up again. I hope the storm doesn't spoil Will's ball
game,"

She urged Prince to a faster pace, and, cantering along a quiet
stretch of road, was soon at the house of Mr. Ford's mother.

"Why Grace!" exclaimed the elderly lady, "I expected Will to come
over. Your father said---- "

"I know, grandma, but Will-- well, he is wild about baseball, and I
said I'd come for him."

"That was good of you."

"Oh, no it wasn't. I don't deserve any praise. Chocolates and Prince--
a big bribe, grandma."

"Oh, you young folks! Well, come in. Thomas will see to Prince."

"I can't stay long."

"No, I suppose not. Your father wanted these papers in a hurry. He
would have come himself, but he had some matters to attend to. And,
its being rather a family affair, he did not want to send one of his