The day of Miss Darwell's birthday came, after what Henry called a very long time. Time seems very long to children; they think a month as long as old people think a year. Henry talked of a year or two past as of a time a long while ago. Lucy and Emily looked out the very first thing that morning to see what weather it was; but Henry did more, he got up and went out as soon as he heard anyone stir, and saw John cleaning the horse, that he might be ready for Mr. and Mrs. Fairchild in the afternoon. Soon after breakfast Mrs. Fairchild got the children ready, in their neatest morning dresses, according to Miss Darwell's desire; meaning to bring their evening things when she came. But they were hardly ready when a little pony-carriage, driven by a careful old man, came for them from Miss Darwell; for this young lady never forgot the chance of doing a kindness. They got into the little carriage, and were driven away. Henry sat by the servant in front, and his sisters in the seat behind. "My little lady," said the servant, "bade us be sure to bring you all safely, and very soon, Master Fairchild." And then he went on to say what a dear, good young lady she was. "But she bade me not tell what is to be done this evening; and you are not to ask anybody about it." "Then I will not," said Henry; "though I want to know very much." "To be sure you do, master,'" said the man; "but you will know by-and-by." As they came near the park, they saw several fine carriages drawing towards the house. "We are going to have a world of company," said the man; "but Miss Darwell has no visitors in her own rooms but you and your sisters, Master Fairchild. My lady would have had more invited, but Mrs. Colvin begged off; and so you and the young ladies are much favoured." And then, giving his horse a fillip, away they went, bowling along over the park amid high fern brakes, lofty trees, and many deer. "I see something white through the trees," said Henry; "look, look, all along under the branches--see, Lucy--see, Emily!" "Do you, master?" answered the servant; "well, that is unaccountable; but look before you--what do you see there?" "Only trees," replied Henry, "and fern." "Look again, master," said the man. And Henry looked again till he had quite passed the place where the white things might be seen, and indeed had forgotten them. When they came to the house and drove to the door, a footman appeared, and was directed to lead the little ladies and gentleman to Miss Darwell's rooms. The man went before them upstairs and along the galleries to the door of that very room where they had been received by poor Miss Augusta Noble.