When we got to the gate he said:--
"Will you go with me for a drive to-morrow, Miss Hungerford? You know
what the Wallencamp equipages are. They furnish entertainment, at all
events. The drive to West Wallen is really beautiful--even at this
season of the year, with such uncommonly fine weather, and you have a
holiday, and the mail hasn't been brought from West Wallen for nearly a
week."
I thanked the fisherman almost eagerly, thinking, at that instant, of the
longed-for letters that I knew were waiting for me in the West Wallen
Post Office.
Then, suddenly, I felt Rebecca's little note grow heavy in my hand.
To act voluntarily for others--to consider as serious any obstacles in
the way of following out my personal inclinations--these were experiences
too new to me, and my resolve was not a natural one, but forced and
impatient.
"You are very kind," I said; "but I can't go to-morrow."
The two little Keelers came running out of the Ark to meet me. I was
secretly relieved. Mr. Rollin had been watching me narrowly; his lips
curled, and his eyes flashed with a half angry, half scornful light. He
cast an unloving glance at the little Keelers.
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