ncluded in their plans for the day, and
so were Fanny and baby, but for the most part the young girls were
occupied with each other; and the visit, which was to have been for a
few days, lengthened out beyond the month, and might have been longer
than that, even, only Rose had a slight, feverish attack which confined
her to her room for a day or two, and then Etta could no longer hide
from herself that she ought to go home.

"I hope I shall not find that this pleasant time has spoiled me. I
think papa and mamma are somewhat afraid. I mean to be good, and
contented, and helpful; but I know I am only a silly little thing. Oh!
Rosie! if you were only going home with me for a little while!"

"I should like it very much, indeed," said Rose.

"Of course, everything is very different at our house, but you wouldn't
mind that. Miss Elliott, don't you think you could spare Rose to me for
a few days?"

Graeme shook her head.

"I think I have spared her to you a good many days. I have seen very
little of her for a long time, I think."

Miss Goldsmith looked grieved and penitent. "Nonsense, Etta," said
Rose; "she is only laughing at you. She has had you and me, too. And I
should like very much to go with you. This is the nicest time of the
year to be in the country, I think. What do you say, Graeme?"

Little Etta clasped her hands, and looked at Graeme so entreatingly,
that Rose laughed heartily. But Graeme said nothing encouraging.
However, the very hottest days of the summer came that season among the
first June days, and, because of the heat, Graeme thought Rose did not
recover from her illness so quickly as she ought to have done. She is
languid and pale, though pretty busy still, and cheerful, and Graeme
proposed that she should go with her friend for a few days, at least.
Etta was enchanted.

"I am afraid my resolutions about being good, and helping mamma, and
teaching the little ones, would have fallen through, for I know I am a
foolish girl. But with Rose to help me, just at first, I shall succeed
I know."

"Don't be silly, Etta," said Rose. "You are a great deal wiser and
better, and of a great deal more use in the world, than ever I was, or
am like to be. All my wisdom is lip-wisdom, and my goodness
lip-goodness. If they will help you, you shall have the benefit of
them; but pray don't make me blush before Graeme and Fanny, who know me
so well."

No time had to be lost in preparations. The dec