s.
Fairchild: and Mrs. Fairchild said she knew her, though they had not
visited. This lady had a nice house and a pretty orchard; and she had
come, only an hour before, to say that Miss Pimlico, with all her young
ladies, were coming to spend the evening with her, and that they were
to have tea in the open air, and to amuse themselves in any way they
liked. The lady hoped that Mr. Somers and his mother would come, and
that they would, if possible, bring with them Mr. and Mrs. Fairchild
and their nice children, and make a pleasant evening of it.

"We told her that Mrs. Goodriche and her niece were at Mr.
Fairchild's," added Mr. Somers; "and she said, 'Let them come also, by
all means; the more the merrier;' and then she kindly entered into what
carriages we could muster.

"I told her," he continued, "that Mr. Fairchild had a carriage which
would hold two grown-up persons and three little ones, and that mine
could do as much if needful; proving that we had even one seat to
spare--so come, you must all go. Mrs. Goodriche and my mother shall
have the back seat of my carriage, and I shall make interest for Miss
Lucy to sit by me in the front seat."

All the children present looked anxiously to hear Mr. Fairchild's
answer, and glad were they when they heard him say, "At what hour
should we be ready?"

"At four I shall hope to call for Mrs. Goodriche and Miss Lucy," said
Mr. Somers. "I have a poor woman to call on by the way, if this lady
does not object. We may therefore set out about half an hour before
you. So now, good-bye;" and he walked away.

[Illustration: "_At four I shall hope to call for Mrs. Goodriche and
Miss Lucy._"--Page 321.]

How merry and happy were the faces round the table at dinner! Mrs.
Goodriche and Lucy had only just time to get ready before Mr. Somers
came for them.

When they were gone the rest of the party found it was time to get
dressed. John brought the carriage to the gate at the time fixed; and
Henry, who had been watching for it ever since he had been dressed,
came in to give notice. Emily and her father immediately went to the
gate; and Mrs. Fairchild, thinking that Bessy might want a little
attention and help, went to her room. As she knocked at the door she
thought she heard low sobs within; she called Bessy twice, and no
answer being given she walked in.

There was a sight indeed! Bessy was sitting at the foot of the bed
without a frock, and sobbing and crying most piteously. On