residences, that of Mollie's mother being on the bank of the river. Deepdale was a thriving community, in the midst of a fertile farming section.
The summer sun glinted in alternate shadows and brilliant patches on Grace Ford as she hurried out to her friends on the lawn, after receiving the message from her brother Will.
"What happened?' asked Mollie, for it was evident from the expression on the face of the approaching girl that something out of the ordinary had been the import of the message.
"Oh, it was Will. He"
"Did he 'fess up' about the chocolates?" inquired Mollie.
"No, but he's going to treat us to a three-pound box. I 'phoned dovn for them. They'll be here soon, and you girls can enjoy them while I'm gone."
"Gone!" echoed Betty, blankly. "Where are you going, pray tell?"
"Oh, Will forgot to do something father told him to, and he wants me to do it for him. Get some rather important papers from Grandmother Ford. I'm going to ride Prince. I wish you all could come. Will you be angry if I run away for a little while? I shan't be more than an hour."
"Angry? Of course not," said Amy, gently. "Besides, it's important; isn't it?"
