They made a goodly show as they issued from the gate and took their way toward the place of rendezvous; the girls all in white muslin and blue ribbons, the boys in their neat Sunday suits, and each with a flower or tiny nosegay in his button-hole. The house had to be shut up, as Celestia Ann claimed the holiday, but was left in its usual neat and orderly condition, by means of early rising and extra exertion on the part of the three older girls. Otherwise Mildred could not have been content to go, and delay was dangerous, as on account of the heat of the weather the procession was to move by nine o'clock. The whole town was in holiday attire, and everywhere smiling faces were seen. A shower in the night had laid the dust without turning it to mud, and the Sunday school celebration proved quite a success. The children enjoyed their treat of cakes, candies and lemonade, then the little Keiths went home, tired enough to be glad to sit down and rest while father, mother and Milly told them stories of other Fourths that they could remember. After dinner Mildred went to call on her friend Claudina, carrying with her another book for Effie Prescott. "Dunallan," had been returned in perfect condition and with a little note of thanks. Effie met Mildred with a pleased look, a cheerful greeting, and warm thanks for the book. "I am so glad to see you!" she said, "and it was very kind in you to come; for I am owing you a call. I thought I should have paid it long ago, but there are so many days when I don't feel quite equal to the walk." "You do walk out then?" "Oh yes! every day when the weather is good. That is part of the cure. But I cannot walk fast or far." "I hope you are improving." "Yes, I believe so, but very slowly. I'm never confined to bed, but never able to do much, and the books are such a blessing." From that they fell into talk about books and authors and were mutually pleased to find their tastes were similar as regarded literature, and that their religious views accorded. It was the beginning of a friendship which became a source of great enjoyment to both. Effie had learned to love Mrs. Keith. That drew Mildred toward her; and their common faith in Christ and love to Him, was a yet stronger bond of union. They regretted that they had been so long comparative strangers, and Mildred felt well rewarded for the kind thoughtfulness on her part, which had at length brought them together. But leaving Effie to the perusal of the book, she walked on to Squire Chetwood's. Mrs. Chetwood and Claudina, in their deep mourning dress, sat quietly at home, with no heart to join in the mirth and jollity going on about them; yet calm and resigned.