Pauline hated to be called back, but she could not do otherwise than obey. She approached lingeringly.
"Would you like to take a drive with me? We might go and find out how soon Peas-blossom and Lavender will be ready to come to their new home."
At another time such a request on the part of Miss Tredgold would have enraptured Pauline; but she knew that it only wanted five minutes to six, and she doubted if Nancy would consent to be kept waiting long.
"No," she answered slowly; "my head aches. Please, I would rather not take a drive."
She did not wait for Miss Tredgold's response, but continued her slow walk.
"The poor child is certainly ill," said the good lady. "If she continues to look as poorly and as sadly out of sorts next week I shall take her to the seaside."
"Will you, Aunt Sophy? How lovely! Do you know that Paulie and I have never been to the sea? We do so long to see it!"
"Well, my dear, I shall take you all presently, but I can't say when. Now, as Pauline does not want to drive with me, I shall go into the house and finish some of my arrangements."
Miss Tredgold went indoors, and Verena joined Briar and Patty, who were in a great state of excitement.
Meanwhile Pauline had reached the wicket-gate. She opened it and went out. Nancy was waiting for her. Nancy's cheeks were flushed and her eyes bright. She looked as if she had been quarreling with somebody. Pauline knew that look well. Nancy's two friends Becky and Amy were standing at a little distance. There was a small governess-cart drawn up not far away, and Becky was stroking the nose of a rough little Forest pony.
"Father gave me the cart and pony this morning," said Nancy. "There's nothing he wouldn't do for me. The pony and cart aren't much, perhaps, but still it is fun to have them to fly over the place. Well, and how goes her little high-and-mightiness? Frumpy, I can see. Grumpy, I can guess. Now, is Pauline glad to see poor old Nance--eh?"
"Of course, Nancy; but I have come to say----"
"We'll have no 'buts,' darling, if you please."
"I can't come to the picnic, Nancy; I really cannot."
"How white poor little Dumpy looks! Wants some one to cheer her up, or she'll be dumped and frumped and grumped all in one. Now, darling, I'm going to put my arm round your waist. I am going to feel your little heart go pit-a-pat. You shall lean against me. Isn't that snug? Doesn't dear old Nancy count for something in your life?"