Strawberrying.

    “Why should we fear youth’s draught of joy,
      If pure, would sparkle less? 
    Why should the cup the sooner cloy
      Which God has deigned to bless?”

The “strawberry picnic” proposed by Alick Steele had been fixed for the following Tuesday should it prove fine.  Alick and Fred had been over at Mill Bank Farm, and the younger Fords had agreed to meet them at the ravine, with their contribution of milk and cream, and various other things which Mrs. Ford’s zealous housewifery would not be prevented from sending, though Fred assured her that it was unnecessary.

“I know what young folks can eat, Mr. Fred,” she replied, “and you may as well have plenty;” and Alick laughingly assured her she was quite right.  Alick Steele, or the “young doctor,” as his old friends now began to call him, had been an acceptable guest at many a picnic and merry-making, but he had never entered into anything of the kind with more spirit and zeal than he now threw into this simple gypsying excursion with his country cousins.

“He’s no end of a fellow for a picnic,” declared Harry enthusiastically, “and ten times as good as Fred;” the quiet nature of the latter always shrinking from any unusual bustle, while Alick’s unfailing flow of animal spirits found a congenial outlet in any little extra excitement, especially when it was connected with the procuring of enjoyment for others.  He and Harry were busy all Monday in exploring the ground and selecting the most eligible place for the repast; and Harry averred, when they returned home, that they would have a “splendid time” next day, if it were only fine.

Next morning opened as fair and bright as the excursionists could desire,—­not too hot, but tempered by a pleasant breeze—­“just the day for the woods, and not too rough for the water.”  For Stella had manifested such consternation at the idea of going through the pasture—­“cows always frightened her so”—­that, notwithstanding the raillery and the representations of Alick and Harry, it was evident that her pleasure would be spoiled if she were obliged to go by the field-path.  Alick therefore had good-naturedly hunted up a boat, which would save them a long dusty walk by the road, and greatly enhance the pleasure of the excursion, besides carrying the “impedimenta,” as Fred classically termed the baskets of provisions.  Marion Wood, a playmate of Lucy’s, was to accompany them in the boat, while Mrs. Steele and the boys walked across the fields.

As soon as the early dinner could be got over, the boat’s cargo was taken on board, the passengers embarked, and after some little screams from Stella, who had a habit of being “nervous,” the little bark shot off, swift and straight, impelled by Alick’s firm, skillful strokes.  The water-party reached the mouth of the ravine considerably sooner than the others; and while awaiting their arrival, Alick rowed them to a little fairy islet near the shore, where they landed to explore it, and twine their hats with the graceful creepers and ferns growing among its rocks.  Then re-embarking, they floated at leisure up and down the glassy shaded water, fringed with tall reeds, the girls alternately trying their hands at the oars, till a shout from Harry and the waving of handkerchiefs announced the arrival of the rest of the party.