to do anything for her. Sydney
would guide her pony in case of need, or show her where she might stay
behind by herself, if the others should exhibit a passion for
impracticable places. She knew that Margaret would enjoy the day all
the more for her being there; and so would Mr Hope, as he had amply
proved. Maria was really delighted to be going, and she and the
children rejoiced together.

This great pleasure involved some minor enjoyments too, in the way of
preparation. On Sunday Mr Hope told her, that he believed the pony was
now fully trained; but he should like that she should try it, especially
as she had been long out of the habit of riding. She must take a ride
with him on Monday and Tuesday afternoons, for practice. The Monday's
ride was charming; through Verdon woods, and home over the heath from
Crossley End. The circuit, which was to have been three miles, had
extended to ten. She must be moderate, she said to herself, the next
day, and not let Mr Hope spend so much of his time upon her; and
besides, the pony had to be sent over to Dingleford in the evening,
after she had done with it, to be in readiness for her on Wednesday
morning.

The ride on Tuesday was happily accomplished, as that of Monday: but it
was much shorter. Mr Hope agreed that it should be short, as he had a
patient to visit on the Dingleford road, so near the hamlet that he
might as well take the pony there himself. It would trot along beside
his horse. Sydney saved him part of the charge. Sydney would at all
times walk back any distance for the sake of a ride out, on whatever
kind of saddle, or almost any kind of quadruped. He was in waiting at
the farrier's gate, when Miss Young returned from her ride; and having
assisted her into the house, he threw himself upon her pony, and rode
three miles and a half on the Dingleford road before he would dismount,
and deliver his bridle into Mr Hope's hand. Tea was over, and the
tea-things removed, before he appeared at home, heated and delighted
with his expedition. He ran to the dairy for a basin of milk, and
declared that his being hot and tired did not matter in the least, as he
had no lessons to do--the next day being a holiday.

It was about two hours after this, when Hester and Margaret were singing
to Sophia's playing, that Mr Grey put his head in at the door, and
beckoned Mrs Grey out of the room. She remained absent a considerable
time; and when she returned, the singers