The girls looked forward to that day's
journey with keen anticipation. They started out decorously and
quietly, for the inhabitants of the village were early risers and the
girls did not wish to attract unpleasant attention to themselves. Once
they were well out of the village, however, the Meadow-Brook Girls'
spirits bubbled forth in song, shout and merry laughter. The air was
crisp and cool until the sun came up, then it grew warm.
Janus, sitting up by the driver, was almost sternly silent. Miss
Elting, in the light of the previous evening's interview, regarded him
from time to time with inquiring eyes. She could not believe what her
caller had told her of their guide. Janus was plainly an honest,
well-intentioned man. Of this she had been reassured that morning in
an interview with the proprietor of the Compton House.
At noon, their appetites sharpened by the bracing air and the fact that
they had eaten an early breakfast, the party made a halt. The horses
were unhitched and allowed to graze beside the road. The guide built a
fire, Harriet and Jane in the meantime getting out something for their
luncheon, which was to be a cooked one instead of a "cold bite.
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