"Yes, Mr. Morton, it has, and I thank _you_ for the drive very much. Let me suggest that Reuben is much too honest for a conspirator." "Well, he was a very willing one; and I see by his face, as he drives down to the barn, that you have made him a happy one." "It doesn't take much to make him happy." "And would it take such an enormous amount to make you happy?" "You are much too inclined to be personal to be an editor. The world at large should hold your interest;" and she went to her room. At the dinner-table the genial spell worked on; she recognized it with a quiet smile, but yielded to its kindly power. At last she apparently formed the resolution to make the most of this one bright day, and she became the life of the party. "Emily," said Mrs. Yocomb, as we rose from the table, "father proposes that we all go on a family picnic to Silver Pond, and take our supper there. It's only three miles away. Would thee feel strong enough to go?" Mrs. Yocomb spoke with the utmost simplicity and innocence; but the young girl laughed outright, then fixed a penetrating glance on Mr. Yocomb, whose florid face became much more ruddy. "Evidences of guilt clearly apparent," she said, "and Mr. Morton, too, looks very conscious. 'The best laid schemes of mice and men'--you know the rest. Oh, yes, I'd go if I had to be carried. When webs are spun so kindly, flies ought to be caught." "What is the matter with you all?" cried Adah. "Miss Adah, if you'll find me a match for my cigar you'll make me happy," I said hastily, availing myself of the first line of retreat open. "Is that all thee needs to make thee happy?" "Well, one thing at a time, Miss Adah, if you please." As the day grew cool, Reuben came around with the family rockaway. Mrs. Yocomb and Adah had prepared a basket as large as their own generous natures. I placed Miss Warren beside Mrs. Yocomb on the back seat, while I took my place by Adah, with Zillah between us. Little Adela and Reuben had become good friends, and she insisted on sitting between him and his father. As we rolled along the quiet country roads, chatting, laughing, and occasionally singing a snatch of a song, no one would have dreamed that any shadows rested on the party except those which slanted eastward from the trees, which often hung far over our heads.