WASSA MAKES A PLAN. 67

always fell in with her moods, and soon all the
children were playing happily together.

Mona, who had always been obliged to play
by herself, was particularly happy at finding
the rover’s children so affable, and was ready
to believe that their natures had undergone
a change, and that henceforth all was to be
peace and sunshine. Her gay laughter rang
metrily through the woods, and her play was
the wildest of all.

Farther and farther from home strayed
the children, led on by Wassa, until Mona,
breathless from a wild chase, was. startled
to find herself where she had never before
been.

“I must go home directly,’ cried Mona
anxiously; “my mother will think we are
lost.”

“There is no hurry,” replied Wassa confi-’
dently; “we are at the foot of Blue Hill, and
we may as well ascend it, for we shall have
time to reach home before sundown. I know
the way very well, and it will. take but a little
while.”

“T don’t dare,” replied Mona; “my mother
is always anxious if Iam away long. Some