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Hester, in her very busy life, had no time to notice, however, a very slight and almost imperceptible change in bright little Nan. In the mornings she was in too great a hurry to pay much heed to the little ones chatter; in the afternoons she had scarcely an instant to devote to her, and when she saw her playing happily with the other children she was quite content, and always supposed that when a spare half-hour did come in her busy life Nan would rush to her with the old ecstasy, and give her the old devotion.
One day, toward the end of a very fine May, the girls were all to go for a picnic to some woods about four miles away. They had looked forward for several days to this relaxation, and were in the highest state of delight and the wildest spirits. After an early dinner they were to drive in several large waggonettes to the place of rendezvous , where they were to be regaled with gypsy-tea, and were to have a few hours in the lovely Woods or Burn Castle, one of the show places of the neighbourhood. Mrs Willis had invited the Misses Bruce to accompany them, and they were all to leave the house punctually at two oclock. The weather was wonderfully fine and warm, and it was decided that all the children, even Nan, should go.
Perhaps none of the girls looked forward to this days pleasure with greater joy than did Hester; she determined to make it a real holiday, and a real time of relaxation. She would forget her English theme; she would cease to worry herself about Marie Antoinette; she would cease to repeat her part in the coming play; and she would devote herself exclusively and determinedly to Nans pleasure. She pictured the little ones raptures; she heard her gay shouts of joy, her ceaseless little rippling chatter, her baby glee, and, above all things, her intense happiness at being with her own Hetty for the greater
part of a whole day. Hester would ride her on her shoulder, would race with her; all her usual, companions would be as nothing to her on this occasion, she would give herself up solely to Nan.
As she was dressing that morning she said a word or two to the child about the coming treat.
Well light a fire in the wood, Nan, and hang a kettle over it, and make tea such good tea; wont it be nice?
Nan clapped her hands. And may I take out my little ummabella (umbrella), case it might wain? she asked anxiously.
Hester flew to her and kissed her.
You funny darling! she said. Oh, we shall have such a day! Youll be with your own Hetty all day long your own Hetty; wont you be glad?
Me am, said Nan; own Hetty, and own Annie; me am glad.
Hester scarcely heard the last words, for the prayer-gong sounded, and she had to fly downstairs.
At dinner time the girls were discussing who would go with each, and all were very merry and full of fun.
Miss Danesbury will take the little children, said Miss Good. Mrs Willis says that all the little ones are to be in Miss Danesburys charge.
Oh, please, said Hester suddenly, may Nan come with me, Miss Good? Shell be so disappointed if she doesnt, and Ill take such care of her.
Miss Good nodded a careless acquiescence, and Hester proceeded with her dinner, feeling thoroughly satisfied.
Immediately after dinner the girls flew to their rooms to prepare for their expedition. Hastily opening a drawer, Hester pulled out a white frock, white piqué pelisse, and washing hat for Nan she meant her darling to look as charming as possible.
Oh, dear, Miss Danesbury should have brought her here by now, she said to herself impatiently, and then, hearing the crunching of carriage wheels on the drive, she flew to the bell and rang it.
In a few moments one of the maids appeared.
Do you know where Miss Nan is, Alice? She is to go to Burn Castle with me, and I want to dress her, for it is nearly time to go.
Alice looked a little surprised.
If you please, Miss, she said, I think Miss Nan has just gone.
What do you mean, Alice? Miss Good said especially she was to go with me.
I know nothing about that, Miss; I only know that I saw Miss Forest carrying her downstairs in her arms about three minutes ago, and they went off in the waggonette with all the other little children and Miss Danesbury.
Hester stood perfectly still, her colour changed from red to white; for full half a minute she was silent. Then, hearing voices from below calling to her, she said in a cold, quiet tone
That will do, Alice; thank you for letting me know. She turned to her drawer and put back Nans white and pretty things, and also replaced a new and very becoming shady hat which she had meant to wear herself. In her old winter hat, and looking almost untidy for her, she walked slowly downstairs and took her place in the waggonette which was drawn up at the door.
Cecil Temple and one or two other girls whom Hester liked very much were in the same waggonette, but she scarcely cared to talk to them, and only joined in their laughter by a strong effort. She was deeply wounded, but her keenest present desire was to hide any feelings of jealousy she had toward Annie from the quick eyes of her school-fellows.