Charlotte and Henrietta were busy in their small way over a little basket of preserves; and two or three of the neighboring gentlemen, who were to drive with us, were approaching the house by a side-entrance.
In a moment or two we should be ready to be off.

What should I do?
I was frantic with the thought that he might be worse, he might go away.

I was to be absent such a length of time.

I must--I would see him before we went.

What better moment than the present, when everybody was engaged in this fretting, foolish picnic.