“Time is just up,” said Fred, “but you have done it complete.  Let me help you in, Miss Gordon,” and Nina was soon tucked in among the rest.

“Now, drive on as fast as you like; we must not keep her out long, for fear her mother should see her.  I expect she would never hear the last of it.  For once the correct thing has been set aside.  What do you say, Elsie?” Dexie whispered; “I am sure Nina will enjoy the drive, even though she may be tormented with the thought of her novel wrappings.”

Nina did indeed enjoy the drive.  It was so seldom that any girlish pleasures came her way that for once she forgot to worry about her appearance.

Dexie’s self-reliant manner was doing much to inspire Nina with courage to act on her own responsibility occasionally, and the few weeks’ acquaintance with girls of her own age made quite an improvement in her manner, so that she could now laugh with the rest at the harmless jokes which passed back and forth, without waiting to consult her mamma about the propriety of it.

They were driving along pretty fast, for the streets had become hard and smooth by the continual passing of so many teams; but the speed only added to their pleasure, and no one had a thought of a possible mishap.  As they turned a corner the sleigh gave a sudden slew, and instantly all hands found themselves on the ground in one grand, promiscuous heap, the shrill screams of the girls adding to the general confusion.  Lancy landed on his feet, and quickly brought the horses to a standstill, and it took but an instant to right the sleigh on its runners again.  With quick movements Hugh and Fred picked up their scattered belongings, and helped the girls back into their seats, making many anxious inquiries as to whether any of them were hurt, and they drove rapidly away before a crowd had time to gather.  The girls were breathless with laughter and excitement; it had all happened so suddenly they had not time to realize their awkward predicament before they were back into their places again.  Lancy was the only one who did not laugh over their tumble, and his frequent apologies made them feel that he blamed himself for the catastrophe.

“Lancy,” said Fred, at last, “it was not your fault that we spilled over; that corner was as smooth as glass, and we had to go, but we are not hurt a bit, so don’t take it to heart.  Man alive! it was the crowning event of the evening to see Hugh sliding off on his ear!  Did you have time to make an observation of my remarkable somersault, Hugh?  It was cleverly done; a professional tumbler could not have done it better!” and Lancy was obliged to join in the laugh that followed.

“Well, I have picked up quite an assortment,” said Dexie, whose lap was full of articles she had hastily swept from the ground when she rose to her feet.  “This is your muff, Maud, and this fur glove must be yours, Mr. McNeil.  Now, who claims this silk handkerchief and handbag?”