carriage, while Job stood nodding sleepily in the sun, as he
waited for the signal to proceed.

"Don't you girls want to go for a little drive?" she called, as
her daughter's head came in sight.

In an instant three other heads appeared, and she was saluted with
three voices,--

"How lovely!"

"What fun!"

"We'll be down in a minute."

The minute was a short one; for the girls snatched their hats in
passing through the hall, and quickly surrounded the carriage, in
a gay, laughing group. Alan came sauntering down the stairs after
them, and stood leaning in the doorway, watching them settle
themselves preparatory to starting. Something in the lad's
position struck Mrs. Adams, and she beckoned to him.

"Come too, Alan; that is, if you can stand it with so many girls."

"May I? Is there room?"

He ran out to the carriage, then stopped, hesitating, as he saw
Polly touch her mother's arm, and shake her head silently.

"I don't believe I'll go," he said, drawing back.