36 The Story of the Hamiltons.

 "Well, girls," said she, "the weather is bad,
as bad can be, and I see no chance of our
going at the hour I originally intended; but
I should not be at all surprised if it turned
out fine at eleven or twelve, so I advise you
all to get to your lessons for an hour or two.
Don't think of the sky, and perhaps after all
we may go."
 This advice was soon followed, though
not quite strictly; in spite of all endeavours,
little eyes would turn every now and then
to the window, and minds would ramble to
the rain and the pleasures it was depriving
them of. At length the clouds began to
break, at eleven it was tolerably fine, and
by twelve o'clock the omnibus and carriage
stood ready at the door. Such a packing of
little people, such a stowing of larger ones, so
much laughter and so much joy then ensued
that the starting was really quite a business !
At last all were in; Grace and Clara stood
at the dressing-room window to see them
off, and they were quite as much amused
with the whole concern as those who were
in the vehicles; then "smack went the whip,
round went the wheels," and they were gone.
 Now, Grace, we are by ourselves, what
shall we do ? Shall I go on with my needle-