Alice Hale Burnett

A Day at the County Fair Alice Hale Burnett

"Oh, push it harder, much harder, so I can go away up to the tree tops," cried Jerry. "Don't you just love to fly through the air this way?" Mary Lee gave the swing one more push. "There!" she exclaimed, "that's the best I can do, Geraldine White. I'm hot all over now," and she dropped down on the soft grass at the foot of a big tree. "After the old cat dies, I'll give you a fine swing," promised Jerry. "You'll think you're in an airship." "Indeed you won't," protested Mary. "It's horrid and makes me feel ill. Oh, look," she exclaimed, "here comes Beth Burton." Flying down the street, her hair streaming behind her, came Beth, her cheeks aglow and her dark eyes dancing with excitement. Mary had run at once to meet her and Jerry followed as soon as she could stop the swing. "It's the loveliest news," panted Beth when she had reached them?"an invitation." "Oh, do tell us what it is," demanded the other two in chorus. "Well," continued Beth, placing an arm about each as they all walked up the path, "it's to go motoring. My uncle Billy is going to take us," and she gave each girl a little hug. "But that isn't all," she added. "There's a surprise on the end of the ride."