"
"Storm, Mrs. Condiment, why bless your dear old heart, there has not
been a storm these four weeks!" said Capitola, almost indignant that
such an absurd objection to a long ride should be raised.
"The more reason, my child, that we should have a very severe one
when it does come, and I think it will be upon us before sunset; so
I advise you to hurry home."
"Why, Mrs. Condiment, there's not a cloud in the sky."
"So much the worse, my dear! The blackest cloud that ever gathered
is not so ominous of mischief as this dull, coppery sky and still
atmosphere! And if forty years' observation of weather signs goes
for anything, I tell you that we are going to have the awfulest
storm that ever gathered in the heavens! Why, look out of that
window--the very birds and beasts know it, and instinctively seek
shelter--look at that flock of crows flying home! See how the dumb
beasts come trooping toward their sheds! Capitola, you had better
give up going altogether, my dear! "
"There! I thought all this talk tended to keeping me within doors,
but I can't stay, Mrs. Condiment! Good Mrs. Condiment, I can't!"
"But, my dear, if you should be caught out in the storm!"
"Why, I don't know but I should like it! What harm could it do? I'm
not soluble in water--rain won't melt me away! I think upon the
whole I rather prefer being caught in the storm," said Cap,
perversely.
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