Page:Leah Reed--Brenda's summer at Rockley.djvu/158

142 to take down one of the books without a special invitation. The glance that she gave them was so rapid that she did not read the titles. Brenda gave a sigh of relief as they passed from the room. She had begun to question her own wisdom in keeping “The Countess”  in so conspicuous a place.

If Amy enjoyed the day at Rockley, the three girls and Mrs. Barlow were delighted with her.

“Really,” said Mrs. Barlow, “you have told me things about this neighborhood that I have never known, although I have spent so many summers here. I shall never drive through Swampscott now without thinking  of Lady Humphrey. You say that the name of the long street running to Marblehead came from Lady Humphrey, and that she and her husband once owned all the country  about us. I dare say that you know more about the town of Marblehead itself than Brenda does.”

“Oh, yes, I’m sure of that,” interposed Brenda. “She told me quantities of interesting things the other day on the ‘Balloon.’ I begin to feel almost like Julia,  I am so anxious to explore it.”

“Then you will probably approve of a plan I have had come through my mind while Amy has been talking. It seems to me that it would be delightful if she would go with you some day soon to Marblehead, and  tell you what she knows about some of the old houses.”

Mrs. Barlow looked inquiringly at Amy, and the young girl responded brightly, “I should be very glad indeed to do it.”