"And Arthur--why is he neglected the division of spoils?" asked Mrs. Dana. "I make him over to you. Brother John commended you to his care." "Mammy applied to me for numberless passes, to-night. There is a big meeting at Rocky Mount. The servants will attend en masse, to-morrow; why not follow their example?" said Mrs. Dana, with playful irony. "We will!" exclaimed Carry, clapping her hands. "I'll ask father this minute." "But, my dear sister--" "Don't say a word, Jenny; Ida would like to go, I am sure." "When I understand the character of the entertainment; I shall be qualified to express my wishes." "Why," answered Carry, tying the cord of the wrapper she had cast around her. "They preach a little, and sing and shout; and in intermission, we have grand fun." "Fun! at church!" "That is not the word precisely; but everybody meets everybody else, and we have an hour for talking and eating. How happens it, that you are a novice? you are country-born." "I was never at a big meeting, notwithstanding." "An additional reason, why we should be on the spot to-morrow. I will be back directly." In five minutes she returned, blushing and laughing. "Would you believe it? When I knocked at father's door, Arthur opened it. I slunk back in the dark, and asked for 'Marster.' 'Doctor,' said he, 'Martha wants to see you,' and sauntered off. Didn't father stare, and I laugh, when I ran in! The stupid creature! to be fooled so easily!" "The meeting!" said Ida. "All's well! Father was afraid we might be tired, if we stayed to both sermons; but I assured him that was impossible. I hope it will be a fine day!" She was gratified; but the weather was not brighter than the faces gathered upon the piazza, at a shockingly unfashionable hour. It was six miles to Rocky Mount; and as Charley observed, "seats in the dress circle would be at a premium, two hours before services begun." "'Marster' does not accompany us," said Arthur, significantly, as he handed Carry into the carriage. She was too much confused to reply; but Ida and Mrs. Dana laughed outright. "Papa and myself, having no vagrant propensities, will go to our own church," answered the latter. "And if you have waited upon the young ladies, I will thank you to put me into the gig, Dr. Dana."