Part 4 (2/2)

So away they went through the streets first, and then round the mountain, to the great enjoyment of them all. Not one of them enjoyed it less, and Dixen I am a.s.sured enjoyed it all the more, that they met Mrs Ascot not far from the house, and knew by the look she gave them that she would have liked to turn them back.

”Her smile was out of the wrong side of her mouth,” muttered Dixen. He knew that she had ordered the carriage for herself at four, and they could not go for her pleasure that afternoon.

”I only hope she will not disturb mama till we come home,” said Frederica.

The drive was charming, but even Frederica confessed to being a little tired when they reached home. It was five and after. Madame Ascot met them at the door. It puts the best-tempered people out to be kept waiting, and her face was not an agreeable one to see at the moment.

”Did you not understand that I said four?” asked she sharply.

”Miss Frederica,” began Dixen, touching his hat to the young lady.

”Did I not say four?” repeated Mrs Ascot.

”But, madame, it would have been quite impossible. We did not leave home till nearly three,” said Tessie.

”Don't let it happen again,” said Mrs Ascot; taking no notice of the child.

Frederica was patting her favourites, calling them, all sorts of pet names. She turned as Mrs Ascot attempted to pa.s.s her.

”It is a pity, madame. You should have sent, for a carriage. It is quite impossible that the ponies should be taken out again to-night, you know,” she added as Mrs Ascot seemed to be preparing to enter the carriage. It is likely madame would have proved it quite possible, had not Mr Vane entered the garden at the moment Tessie ran down the steps to meet him.

”Oh, papa, we are to have a whole week of holidays. Are you not glad?”

”Papa, I am so sorry we did not drive round by the office and take you up. I thought you must have been home. Yes, they are rather warm, and tired too, but they will be none the worse, will they, Dixen? And I am to drive mama every fine day and you must come too, papa. I shall be charmed to drive you.”

Mr Vane laughed.

”My neck is too valuable,” said he:

”Not more valuable than mama's; and we can take Dixen if you are afraid.

Now you must be kind to them, Dixen, and rub them well down,” added she, as the old man prepared to lead them away.

”Never fear, Miss Frederica,” said Dixen.

”But I thought Mrs Ascot was going out;” said Mr Vane.

”It is too late now,” said that lady angrily.

”Quite too late, and the ponies are tired. It is quite impossible,”

said Tessie, with irritating dignity.

”All right,” said Mr Vane, indifferently.

”Papa, we are going to have a party in the drawing-room to-night. We are all going, and mama and Selina and you must come too, just after dinner. Will you come, papa?” pleaded both girls, hanging on his arms.

”Certainly, with great pleasure,” said their father, pleased to be thus entreated; ”but you must let me go now.”

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