Miss Kate put up her glass, and, having taken a survey of the little tableau before her, shut her sketch book, saying with condescension, “You’ve a nice accent and in time will be a clever reader.  I advise you to learn, for German is a valuable accomplishment to teachers.  I must look after Grace, she is romping.”  And Miss Kate strolled away, adding to herself with a shrug, “I didn’t come to chaperone a governess, though she is young and pretty.  What odd people these Yankees are.  I’m afraid Laurie will be quite spoiled among them.”

“I forgot that English people rather turn up their noses at governesses and don’t treat them as we do,” said Meg, looking after the retreating figure with an annoyed expression.

“Tutors also have rather a hard time of it there, as I know to my sorrow.  There’s no place like America for us workers, Miss Margaret.”  And Mr. Brooke looked so contented and cheerful that Meg was ashamed to lament her hard lot.

“I’m glad I live in it then.  I don’t like my work, but I get a good deal of satisfaction out of it after all, so I won’t complain.  I only wished I liked teaching as you do.”

“I think you would if you had Laurie for a pupil.  I shall be very sorry to lose him next year,” said Mr. Brooke, busily punching holes in the turf.

“Going to college, I suppose?” Meg’s lips asked the question, but her eyes added, “And what becomes of you?”

“Yes, it’s high time he went, for he is ready, and as soon as he is off, I shall turn soldier.  I am needed.”

“I am glad of that!” exclaimed Meg.  “I should think every young man would want to go, though it is hard for the mothers and sisters who stay at home,” she added sorrowfully.

“I have neither, and very few friends to care whether I live or die,” said Mr. Brooke rather bitterly as he absently put the dead rose in the hole he had made and covered it up, like a little grave.

“Laurie and his grandfather would care a great deal, and we should all be very sorry to have any harm happen to you,” said Meg heartily.

“Thank you, that sounds pleasant,” began Mr. Brooke, looking cheerful again, but before he could finish his speech, Ned, mounted on the old horse, came lumbering up to display his equestrian skill before the young ladies, and there was no more quiet that day.

“Don’t you love to ride?” asked Grace of Amy, as they stood resting after a race round the field with the others, led by Ned.

“I dote upon it.  My sister, Meg, used to ride when Papa was rich, but we don’t keep any horses now, except Ellen Tree,” added Amy, laughing.

“Tell me about Ellen Tree.  Is it a donkey?” asked Grace curiously.

“Why, you see, Jo is crazy about horses and so am I, but we’ve only got an old sidesaddle and no horse.  Out in our garden is an apple tree that has a nice low branch, so Jo put the saddle on it, fixed some reins on the part that turns up, and we bounce away on Ellen Tree whenever we like.”