Part 9 (2/2)
Mr. Dashwood mounted his horse, the groom jumped on his, and the whole party rode gaily up the avenue and out of the gate.
”I declare Mervyn sits very well, papa,” said Bunny in a patronizing manner, as she looked back at her cousin, who was following them with the servant.
”Yes, of course he sits well; why shouldn't he?” asked Mr. Dashwood; ”he wants a few lessons and then he will ride very well, I am sure.”
”Yes, I daresay,” said Bunny; ”but he never rode before, you know, except just little short rides on Frisk, and he'd be awfully afraid to go without the leading rein, I know.”
”Yes, and quite right too,” said her father; ”it's only children who ride very well who should be allowed to go without a leading rein, and especially on a country road. Supposing the pony took it into his head to bolt--what do you think would happen then?”
”Oh, he could be pulled up quite tight by his rein. I wouldn't be a bit afraid to ride all by myself.”
”Wouldn't you, indeed, Miss Vanity. Well, I would rather not trust you,” said Mr. Dashwood laughing; ”I think it is very likely you would find Master Frisk rather too much for you without a leading rein, my dear child.”
”No, I shouldn't,” answered Bunny, bending over her pony and patting his neck; ”Frisk and I are such friends he would be sure to do what I told him. Wouldn't you, Friskie?”
”Don't trust him or your own power too much, Miss Bunny,” replied her father with a smile. ”But who is that coming down the road towards us? I think I ought to know him.”
”Why, papa, it's Mr. Davis, that nice old gentleman who gave me the box of sweets; don't you remember? I'm sure it is.”
”Yes, so it is,” said Mr. Dashwood; ”what sharp eyes you have, little woman! You and Mervyn had better ride on with John, as I want to say a word to Mr. Davis.”
”Very well, papa, but don't be long, pray,” said the little girl; ”it's so much nicer talking to you than to John.”
”No, I sha'n't be very long, dear. Good morning, Mr. Davis,” said Mr. Dashwood to a tall fine-looking old gentleman who at this moment rode up to them on a beautiful chestnut horse; ”I am very glad to see you. This little girl of mine knew you a long way off.”
”Ha! Miss Bunny and I are great friends,” answered Mr. Davis with a smile, as he bent forward to shake her warmly by the hand.
”Those pretty eyes of yours are a deal sharper than mine, my dear, for I had not the faintest idea who it was that was coming along the road. But I am glad I met you, Dashwood, as I want to say a few words to you about--” and he lowered his voice to a whisper.
”Very well,” said Mr. Dashwood; ”I'll send these little people on with the groom, and ride down the road a short way with you. John,”
he called to the servant, ”take Miss Bunny's rein and go on up the hill with the children, turn in at Lady Edith's Drive, and I will overtake you in a few minutes.”
”Yes, sir,” said the groom, touching his hat respectfully, and riding forward he took the rein from his master's hand.
”Ride quietly along and I will be back to you very soon, Bunny,”
said Mr. Dashwood, and then he turned his horse round and walked it leisurely down the road again with Mr. Davis.
”Oh, what a pretty place!” cried Mervyn, as the riding party trotted along through a gate and into a cool shady avenue, with tall stately trees growing closely together on every side.
”This is Lady Edith's Drive,” said Bunny; ”I think it is the prettiest place about Scarborough. It is so cool and pleasant, and then it is so quiet.”
”Why is it called Lady Edith's Drive?” asked Mervyn.
”I don't know,” answered Bunny. ”Do you, John?”
”Well, no, Miss,” said John; ”I can't exactly say as I do. I suppose some Lady Edith used to drive here very often.”
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