n had been unusually
dry--that there were none at all. Possibly in another ten days or so,
_if_ it rained, there might be another crop, but then one scarcely dared
wish for rain, it would be so bad for the harvest.

So Mamma and her two little squires wandered about the fields in vain,
seeking for the pretty creamy egg-like balls among the grass, which
Mamma had so often described.

"It can't be helped," she said. "It's better than if it had done nothing
but rain. That would have spoilt our visit, even if we had had
basketfuls of mushrooms."

But Lancey and Dick didn't seem quite sure that they agreed with her.
They had got the idea of mushrooms so in their heads that I don't think
they would have grumbled even if it _had_ rained.

"If only there are some before Mamma's birthday, it won't matter so
much," said hopeful little Dick.

[Illustration]

Mamma's birthday was the thirteenth of September, and that year it fell
on a Monday. All Friday and Saturday it had rained--really poured--and
every one was surprised that Lancey and Dick did not grumble at it. By
Sunday morning it cleared, and Lancey who was dressed first, ran out
into the garden for a stroll before breakfast. Here he met a friend of
his--an under-gardener, who had come to do some little piece of work
about the hot-houses, which could not be neglected even on Sunday.

"Fine morning, Master Lancey," said the lad. "My, how it did pour
yesterday!"

"Griffith," said Lancey, "will the rain have brought up any mushrooms,
do you think?"

"Bless you, yes. See here, Master Lancey, just you go down the lane to
the left of the lodge till you come to a cottage, then creep through the
gate opposite--it's awkward to open, but you'll easily get through--and
see if you don't find mushrooms. There'll be lots by to-morrow if we've
some sun to-day."

"It's to-morrow I want to get them--to-morrow morning early," said
Lancey. "Thank you, Griffith."

[Illustration]

After breakfast, Dick in turn went out for a little fresh air--_he_
strolled towards the stables, as he was very fond of one of the dogs
there. On his way he came across a groom called Nicholls.

"Good morning, Nicholls," said Dick. "Should you think, Nicholls,
there'd be any mushrooms by to-morrow morning?"

"Sure to be, Master Dick. If you're up early, I'll show you the best
field in the place for them. Come out to the stable-yard as soon as
you're dressed, and I'll show you the way."

"Thank you