"
"To be sure I will, and with great pleasure."
"Can't you get out and assist him into the
carriage, Jule?"
"Thank you," said Carl; "but though I am
somewhat old and quite infirm, I think I can
get in without troubling your sister. Are you
sure, Miss Vance, you won't be incommoded
by my gripsack?"
"Not at all."
"Then I will accept your kind offer."
In a trice Carl was seated next to Julia, with
his valise at his feet.
"Won't you drive, Mr. Crawford?" said the
young lady.
"Don't let me take the reins from you."
"I don't think it looks well for a lady to
drive when a gentleman is sitting beside her."
Carl was glad to take the reins, for he liked driving.
"Now for a race!" said Gilbert, who was
mounted on his bicycle.
"All right!" replied Carl. "Look out for us!"
They started, and the two kept neck and
neck till they entered the driveway leading
up to a handsome country mansion.
Carl followed them into the house, and was
cordially received by Mr. and Mrs. Vance,
who were very kind and hospitable, and were
favorably impressed by the gentlemanly
appearance of their son's friend.
Half an hour later dinner was announced,
and Carl, having removed the stains of travel
in his schoolmate's room, descended to the dining-
room, and, it must be confessed, did ample
justice to the bounteous repast spread before him.
In the afternoon Julia, Gilbert and he
played tennis, and had a trial at archery. The
hours glided away very rapidly, and six o'clock
came before they were aware.
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