lows
you to go."

"I don't think I deserve it, grandpa, but she's such a dear, kind
mamma."

"So she is, pet, and I hope you will always be a dear good daughter to
her," said grandpa, holding the little face close to his.

Meta was not allowed to come down to breakfast. Vi missed her from the
table, and at prayers, and going up to Mrs. Carrington, asked, "Is Meta
sick, Aunt Sophie?"

"No, dear, but she has been too naughty to be with us. I have said she
must stay in her own room all day."

"And not go to the picnic? Oh please let her go, auntie!"

The other children joined their entreaties to Vi's, but without avail;
and with streaming eyes Meta, at her window, saw the embarkation, and
watched the boats glide away till lost to view in the distance.

"Too bad!" she sobbed, "it's too, too bad that I must stay here and
learn long hard lessons while all the rest are having such a good time!"

Then she thought remorsefully of her mother's sad look, as she bade her
good-bye and said how sorry she was to be obliged to leave her behind,
and as some atonement set to work diligently at her tasks.

The weather was very fine, the sun shone, the birds filled the air with
melody, and a delicious breeze danced in the tree-tops, rippled the
water, and played with the brown and golden ringlets of little Elsie and
Vi, and the flaxen curls of Daisy Carrington.

The combined influences of the clear, pure air, the pleasant motion, as
the rowers bent to their oars, and the lovely scenery meeting the eye at
every turn, were not to be resisted; and all, old and young, were soon
in gayest spirits. They sang songs, cracked jokes, told anecdotes, and
were altogether a very merry company.

After a delightful row of two hours or more the rounding of a point
brought suddenly into view the place of their destination.

The boats were made fast and the party stepped ashore, followed by the
men servants bearing rugs and wraps and several large well-filled
hampers of provisions.

With joyous shouts the children ran hither and thither; the boys tumbled
on the grass, the girls gathered great bouquets of the beautiful
flowers, twisted them in their curls, and wore garlands for their hats.

"Walk up to de house, ladies an' gentlemen; Massa an' Missus not at home
now, but be berry glad to see you when dey gets back," said a pleasant
voice close at hand.

All but Mr. Lilburn looked about for the speaker, wondered at seeing no
one, then laugh