Carolyn Wells

Betty's Happy Year Carolyn Wells

"What a gorgeous day for a sleigh-ride! Did you ever see such sunny, twinkling snow, andsuch crisp, crackly air? It fairly snaps off as you breathe it!"Betty McGuire stood on the steps of the veranda as she spoke. Her mother, in the doorway, was smiling down at her, and her pony, Dixie, was jingling his bells and pawing at the snowand ice in the driveway below. It was the first trial of the pretty new cutter, and the joyous excitement of the occasionmade Betty's cheeks as red as her scarlet tam-o'-shanter cap, or her red cloth coat with itshigh fur collar. Betty drew on her driving-gloves, still talking to her mother."Isn't it a darling sleigh, Mother? Did you ever see such a pretty one? And Dixie is so proudof it.""It's a beauty, Betty. I know you'll enjoy it. Are you taking Tilly for a ride?""No; I'm going for May Fordham to-day. We're planning for the party, you know. I'll takeTilly some other day.""Very well; be home by sundown, won't you?""Yes; or very soon after. All right, Pete.