A Little Maid of Picardy by Amy Ella Blanchard

Footsore, weary, hour after hour Lucie dragged herself along. The little bundle, which at first seemed not too great a weight, at last became intolerably heavy. One by one Paulette disposed of her bundles. Mons. Du Bois staggered under the valises, but refused to give them up. Poor little Pom Pom faithfully followed his mistress. At times he would lie down quite exhausted but always he caught up with his friends.

At last came along a cart drawn by two stout horses whose driver hailed them. "Ah, Mons. Du Bois, this is a sad journey for you," he said. "I can perhaps give you a lift."