New Horizons Read Online Free PDF

small carriage because the customer preferred we make a larger one.” He led the way on into the back of the building.
    Mandie and Celia followed the ladies and watched as Mr. McGrady stopped before a carriage every bit as beautiful as Mr. Donovan’s, but much smaller.
    â€œYes, indeed, we may be lucky. That is a beautiful piece of work,” Mrs. Taft told the man. “And I do believe we would be interested in discussing it with you.” She walked around the carriage. The girls stood watching and whispering.
    â€œWhy, I could drive that myself. It’s not nearly as large as some wagons we had on my father’s farm,” Mandie whispered to Celia.
    Celia giggled and quietly said, “I’m sure you wouldn’t be permitted to do so. It would not be proper for a young lady to do such a thing.”
    â€œBut my grandmother will have to find a driver for it,” Mandie whispered back. She waited and listened as her grandmother continued her conversation with the carriage factory owner.
    â€œYes, sir, I think this would be appropriate for the girls. But now we will need a driver. Do you happen to know of anyone we could hire?” Mrs. Taft asked the man.
    â€œYes, indeed, ma’am,” Mr. McGrady replied. “In fact, I can put you in touch with Mr. Ryland, who was supposed to haveworked for the owner of this carriage. Mr. Ryland has his own horse, which you will also need.”
    Mrs. Taft turned to Mr. Donovan, who was standing nearby. “Do you happen to know the man he is talking about? Would you recommend him?”
    â€œAs a matter of fact, I would certainly recommend Mr. Ryland,” Mr. Donovan replied. “He is an older fellow with much experience, and since the customer cancelled the order for this carriage, he is looking for other work to do.”
    Turning back to Mr. McGrady, Mrs. Taft said, “Then shall we close the deal on this carriage? And if you could arrange to send Mr. Ryland with the carriage to the hotel tomorrow morning, we would be most grateful.”
    â€œOf course, madam,” Mr. McGrady replied. “If you would please join me in my office, we will draw up the necessary bill of sale. This way, please.”
    As the girls followed them into the office, Mandie quietly groaned and whispered to Celia, “This means Grandmother will not leave until at least the day after tomorrow.”
    â€œYou’re right,” Celia agreed.
    As soon as the negotiations were finished, Mrs. Taft had Mr. Donovan drive them back to the hotel for the noon meal.
    â€œWe need to freshen up a little before we can go into the dining room,” Mrs. Taft told the girls.
    â€œYes, ma’am,” Mandie and Celia said together.
    Then Mandie caught a glimpse of Mary Lou sitting on the far side of the reception area. “Grandmother, do you mind if I stopto speak to Mary Lou?” She motioned toward her friend across the room. “I won’t be long.”
    Mrs. Taft replied, “Well, all right, but please make it short. We don’t want to have to stand in line for our meal.”
    â€œYes, ma’am,” Mandie said.
    Mrs. Hamilton told Celia, “You may go with Mandie, but remember what Mrs. Taft said. Don’t be very long about it.”
    â€œThank you, Mother,” Celia said, rushing to join Mandie as she hurried toward May Lou.
    â€œMary Lou!” Mandie exclaimed. “I’m so glad to see you.”
    â€œI’m glad to see y’all, too! Sit down here,” Mary Lou said, motioning to the settee next to her chair. “I was late checking in, so I haven’t had time to look for anyone from the Heathwoods’ school.”
    â€œWe saw April Snow,” Mandie replied as she and Celia sat down. “Why were you late?”
    â€œWell,” Mary Lou replied, “I had applied for a scholarship, but at the last minute I found out I was too late because there was a long list ahead of me when I