eep, and horses?" asked Alice; "I love
them."

"And I don't," said Rosa frankly. "I like beefsteak and roast lamb, but
I never saw a cow that didn't have a ferocious glare in its eye when it
looked at me." Both Quincy and Alice laughed heartily. "As for horses,"
continued Rosa, "I never drive alone. When I'm with some one I alternate
between hope and fear until I reach my destination."

"I trust you were more hopeful than fearful on your way from Eastborough
Centre," said Quincy.

"Oh! I saw at a glance," remarked Rosa, "that you were a skilful driver,
and I trusted you implicitly."

"I have had to rely a great deal upon Mr. Sawyer," remarked Alice, "and,
like yourself, I have always placed the greatest confidence in him.
Huldy told me this morning, Mr. Sawyer, that I would miss you very much,
and I know I shall."

"But you will have Miss Very with you constantly," said Quincy.

"Oh! she does not like the country," continued Alice, "and she will get
homesick in a little while."

"One's likes and one's duties often conflict," said Rosa; and a grave
look settled upon her face. "But how can you write your book down here,
Miss Pettengill? You will have to consult hundreds of books, if you
intend to write an historical novel, as Mr. Sawyer told me you did. You
ought to have access to the big libraries in Boston, and, besides, in
the second-hand bookstores you can buy such treasures for a mere song,
if you will only spend the time to hunt for them."

"That reminds me," broke in Quincy, "that my aunt, Mrs. Chessman,--she
is my mother's only sister, who lives on Mt. Vernon Street,--wished me
to extend a cordial invitation to you two young ladies to visit her,
while I am getting your summer home ready for you. She suggests
Nantucket as the best place for work, but with every opportunity for
enjoyment, when work becomes a burden."

"Oh, that will be delightful," cried Rosa. "I love the sea, and there we
shall have it all around us; and at night, the great dome of Heaven,
studded with stars, will reach down to the sea on every side, and they
say at 'Sconset, on the east end of the island, that when the breakers
come in the sight is truly magnificent."

Quincy was inwardly amused at Rosa's enthusiasm, but it served his
purpose to encourage it, so he said, "I wish Aunt Ella were her to join
forces with Miss Very. You would find it hard work to resist both of
them, Miss Pettengill."

"You mean all three of you," said Al