mass of muslins and parasols.  While Daisy and Nora were joined by Ella Stanfield; and a great constraint fell upon all three.  Ella was a comparative stranger; a nice looking child, thoughtful and old beyond her years.  She looked like gravity; Nora liked gayety; while Daisy was most like the thing that bears her name.  They stood like little pinks of propriety, without saying anything to each other.  This constraint was soon broken up by the preparations for the march.  On enquiry it was found that there were two or three ways to the lake.  One was short and easy (in comparison) but very narrow; a mere footpath through the woods.  Another had a wider track; but it had also a rough footing of rocks and stones, and was much longer; taking a circuit to reach the place.  Another still was only used by eager lovers of the picturesque, though it was said to reward them.

As soon as all this was explained to the understanding of the company, the larger division set off immediately for the easiest and quickest road to the lake; no other recommendation was worth a moment’s considering.  With quick disappearance one after another muslin dress and gay parasol was lost within the edge of the woods which their chosen path immediately entered.  They vanished from the shore.  Every one of them was presently out of sight.  Mr. Randolph had seen that Dr. Sandford was putting Daisy into her travelling conveyance; and thinking no attention of his own could be needful he had gone on in advance of the party with Mrs. Stanfield.  The very last of them, muslins and parasols and all, was swallowed up in the enclosing woods, almost before Daisy was established in her chair.  Her bearers lifted it then to receive instructions from Dr. Sandford as to their method of playing their part.  They were Logan and Sam; James was devoted to his own particular charge.

“Why where are Nora and Ella?” Daisy suddenly exclaimed.

“Everybody seems to have gone on,” answered the doctor.  “Except the boys.  Now Daisy, are you comfortable? is it all right?”

“It is nice, Dr. Sandford!”—­But at the same time Daisy wondered much and grieved not a little that her companions should have left her to go alone.  Was that kindness? or good manners?

“Did they know which way I was going?” she said.

“I fancy so,” said the doctor; “they have done as everybody else does—­gone with the crowd.  Now, you fellows, you know the way.”

“Yes, sir.”

“When you come to a house, remember, you must turn sharp to the right.  Boys, you must go with the chair as a body-guard.”

“Why must we?” said Ransom.

“You would not have your sister go alone?”

“You are going that way.”

“You are mistaken.  I am not.”

“She has got Logan and Sam to take care of her.  Girls always have to be taken care of!” exclaimed Ransom in disgust.

“I am astonished at your want of gallantry.  Preston, I shall depend on you to see that the chair is properly attended.”