H and Agnes had joined the Young People's Association, and now there
was to be a grand excursion. Such an excursion as had never been seen in
Ripley. Guy had become acquainted with the Rev. John Jay, through his
sisters, and as that gentleman had united his entreaties with theirs
that Guy should accompany them, he was at last prevailed upon. It
happened to be the very hottest day of the season, although the latter
part of August, and although Guy had several times declared to himself
that he would "back out" of the affair, the extreme heat decided him.
"He would go with a pack of monkeys to the moon, or anywhere, for a
breath of pure air." Of all the gay parties that ever set out from
Ripley this was the gayest. Scarcely a breath of air stirred. People
were astir because their business compelled them to make some exertion,
but they moved about listlessly, as if the mere act of living were a
labor rather than a pleasure.

The excursion was to start from the church, where already there was
quite an array of omnibusses drawn up as much in the shade as possible.
So when six young people came up breathless, their faces flushed and
eyes sparkling, hoping they were not too late to get a seat, they did
_so_ want to get among the green fields, out of that stifling place, the
horses pricked up their ears, and the sleepy drivers brightened up,
having come in contact with the freshness and charm of those glad gay
natures.

"We can't make very good time to-day, no how," said the driver of the
coach they were about entering. "It's going to be as hot as blazes."

"All right, driver; we're in no particular hurry. Any time this week
will do," said one of the young men as he clambered in.

"Isn't it delightful, none but ourselves," was the exclamation. But just
then Guy, Agnes and Ruth appeared, and took their seats. By this time
the other coaches had been filled, the word was given, and the party
started off amidst cheers and waving of handkerchiefs. It was for the
time as if a fresh breeze had suddenly sprung up, giving new life to the
town through which they passed.

"Can't you turn into a by-road soon," said one; and "O, please do, it is
excruciating going over these cobble-stones," said others. But the heat
had not quite dried up the driver's fun, or else the street was in very
bad condition, for just as this was said, they were bounced up like so
many rubber balls, and the driver, with a twinkle in his eye, remarked
that there