I think. Joyce is going with us, part of the
way, as papa has to make a trip to St. Louis before we go back to New
York."

"And which way are you all going now?" asked Keith. The others had
joined them, and the seven ponies were standing in a ring in the middle
of the road, their noses almost touching.

"We're going down to your house," answered Joyce, "to bid your
Grandmother MacIntyre and Miss Allison good-bye. They have been so good
to us all the time we have been here. Your Aunt Allison has done so much
to entertain us, and as for your grandmother, I couldn't begin to tell
you how she cheered us up when we had the measles. There was something
from her every day, fruit and flowers and wine jellies and messages. One
of my sweetest memories of Kentucky will be of your beautiful
grandmother."

Instantly both the boys lifted their hats in acknowledgment, but Keith
exclaimed in boyish impatience, "Oh, pshaw! I thought we were all going
over to the mill this morning. The last time, you know. There's no need
of your going down to bid them good-bye when we'll see you at--"

But Lloyd stopped him with a finger on her lip and a threatening shake
of her head. "Come on!" she cried, starting Tarbaby down the road at
full gallop. "We can't stand heah in the road all day."

Keith dashed after her, laying a detaining hand on her bridle when he
reached her side. "What's the matter, Miss Savage?" he asked. "What do
you mean, by shaking your head at me in that way?"

"Can't you keep a secret?" she demanded, crossly. "You know well enough
we want to surprise the girls to-night."

"Oh, I forgot!" he exclaimed, clapping a hand over his mouth.

"They are not to know a thing about it until time to light the
lanterns," she said, severely. "And I think it would be very rude indeed
for them not to make a good-bye call at yo' house this mawnin', even if
you all are comin' up to-night."

"Oh, I say, Lloyd, leave a little piece of me, please ma'am," he begged,
in a meek voice. "At least enough to help wind up the house party,
to-night. Say you'll forgive me!" he insisted, clasping his hands
together and looking at her cross-eyed, with such a comical expression
that she could not help laughing.

The last time! It's the last time! They said it as they stopped once
more for the mail at the little post-office; as they turned regretfully
homeward; as they went down the long avenue in the shade of the friendly
old locusts. They said it agai