Just in the act of swinging himself over the bars to take a shortcut across the fields , the sound of approaching hoofs , unaccompanied by the roll of wheels , caught his ear ; and , pausing , he watched eagerly to see who was coming at such a pace . At the turn of road , however , the quick trot stopped , and in a moment a lady on a bay mare came pacing slowly into sight , -- a young and pretty lady , all in dark blue , with a bunch of dandelions like yellow stars in her button-hole , and a silver-handled whip hanging from the pommel of her saddle , evidently more for ornament than use . The handsome mare limped a little , and shook her head as if something plagued her ; while her mistress leaned down to see what was the matter , saying , as if she expected an answer of some sort , -- `` Now , Chevalita , if you have got a stone in your foot , I shall have to get off and take it out . Why do n't you look where you step , and save me all this trouble ? '' `` I 'll look for you , ma'am ; I 'd like to ! '' said an eager voice so unexpectedly , that both horse and rider started as a boy came down the bank with a jump . `` I wish you would . You need not be afraid ; Lita is as gentle as a lamb , '' answered the young lady , smiling , as if amused by the boy 's earnestness . `` She 's a beauty , any way , '' muttered Ben , lifting one foot after another till he found the stone , and with some trouble got it out . `` That was nicely done , and I 'm much obliged . Can you tell me if that cross-road leads to the Elms ? '' asked the lady , as she went slowly on with Ben beside her . `` No , ma'am ; I 'm new in these parts , and I only know where Squire Morris and Mrs. Moss live . '' `` I want to see both of them , so suppose you show me the way . I was here long ago , and thought I should remember how to find the old house with the elm avenue and the big gate , but I do n't . '' `` I know it ; they call that place the Laylocks now , 'cause there 's a hedge of 'em all down the path and front wall . It 's a real pretty place ; Bab and Betty play there , and so do I. '' Ben could not restrain a chuckle at the recollection of his first appearance there , and , as if his merriment or his words interested her , the lady said pleasantly , `` Tell me all about it . Are Bab and Betty your sisters ? '' Quite forgetting his intended tramp , Ben plunged into a copious history of himself and new-made friends , led on by a kind look , an inquiring word , and sympathetic smile , till he had told every thing . At the school-house corner he stopped and said , spreading his arms like a sign-post , -- `` That 's the way to the Laylocks , and this is the way to the Squire 's . ''
`` As I 'm in a hurry to XXXXX the old house , I 'll go this way first , if you will be kind enough to give my love to Mrs. Morris , and tell the Squire Miss Celia is coming to dine with him .
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