During this conversation Priscilla had been silent. She was shorter than Martine, and fairer, and her expression was sad, or querulous,--at first glance it was hard to say which. Yet her half-mourning costume--the black skirt, and the black ribbon at her throat--suggested what was really the case--that Priscilla had had some recent sorrow. "What have you been doing, Priscilla?" asked Mrs. Redmond, noticing the young girl's silence. "Doing!" interrupted Martine, before Priscilla could speak. "Only think how silly she's been. This beautiful morning--and in a new place--she has spent writing letters. Isn't she a goose?" "Oh, Martine!" and Amy shook her head in reproof. Priscilla colored deeply as she turned apologetically to Mrs. Redmond. "I promised mamma to write as soon as I could. She will get my letter day after to-morrow." "You were very considerate to write promptly. Your mother will be delighted to hear so soon. But where have _you_ been, Martine?" "Oh, rambling a little; I just couldn't stay in the house." "It's strange, Martine," added Amy, "but a while ago, when I took a stroll down the road, I saw a boy and a girl wheeling down a side street together who looked so like you." "Which, the boy or the girl?" Disregarding Martine's flippancy, Amy continued: "I realized that it couldn't possibly be you, as you know no one in Yarmouth." "And didn't bring my wheel with me," added Martine. "So please, Miss Amy Redmond, don't see double, or else before I know it you'll have all my faults magnified to twice their size." While Martine was speaking, Priscilla looked at her closely. But Martine, if she felt Priscilla's eye upon her, showed no embarrassment. Instead, she burst into a peal of laughter that woke from his slumbers a quiet old gentleman dozing over his newspaper in a piazza chair. Martine's laughter quickly degenerated into a giggle, and with only an "Excuse me, I can't help it," she rushed into the house. "There, mother," said Amy, "I fear that Martine will be a greater care to us than we expected. If she hadn't run off I was going to suggest that we all go for a walk, to see what there really is to be seen in the town. We'll have plenty of time before dinner." "I'll get my hat and bring Martine with me;" and Mrs. Redmond left Priscilla and Amy by themselves. A little later the four travellers were walking up the broad street, partially shaded with trees, through which they had many glimpses of the blue harbor. "Isn't it strange," said Priscilla to Amy, "to think that this time yesterday we were half-stifled with Boston heat! They said that it was the hottest day of the season, and it is probably as hot there to-day; and here we are--" "Ready to shiver," interposed Amy. "You should have brought a coat, Priscilla, for I almost feel an east wind."