The rattle of wheels was heard from the road, and an instant later Aunt Nancy said in surprise,--
"Mercy on us! who can that be driving up the lane?"
"It is the farmer comin' for us!" Jack cried excitedly as he caught Louis from Aunt Nancy's arms, and would have run off at full speed if she had not restrained him.
"Wait a moment, my child. I don't see any man in the wagon."
Jack looked quickly in the direction of the newcomers and then said,--
"There are two women, but one of them may be Mrs. Pratt."
Again he would have sought refuge in flight but for Aunt Nancy's detaining hand.
"It is only Mrs. Hayes and Mrs. Souders. I suppose they have come to make a call, and what _will_ they think at seeing the house in such confusion?"
Jack, now that his fears were allayed, could not repress a smile at the idea of Aunt Nancy's house ever being in anything save a cleanly and orderly condition; but the little woman appeared really distressed because she had not had an opportunity to inspect it thoroughly before receiving company.
"Take care of Louis, and stay under the oak-tree until I come out again," she said, hurrying away to receive the newcomers.
Jack loitered near the barn where he would not be seen until the visitors had alighted, tied securely the aged horse, whose only ambition appeared to be to remain motionless, and entered the house.
Then, instead of doing as Aunt Nancy had suggested, he took Louis into the woodshed, amusing him there for nearly an hour, when the two ladies departed.
"Where are you, Jack?" the little woman called softly when the horse had drawn the wagon and its occupants on to the highway.
"What is the matter?" Jack cried, as on emerging from his place of retreat he saw a look of deepest anxiety on Aunt Nancy's face. "Did they come here to take us away?"
"It's not quite as bad as that," the little woman replied with a long-drawn sigh, "but very nearly. What _do_ you suppose they wanted?"
Jack didn't even attempt to hazard a guess, and Aunt Nancy continued in a mournful tone,--
"They want to hold the monthly sewing circle here day after to-morrow!"
"Well?" Jack asked, surprised that such a request should have caused so much distress.
"Well? Why, Jack, how can you treat it so lightly? Just think of it! Only one day to clean house, go to the store, and do all the cooking!"