"They're gone, Fibo dear, and you and me are all alone."
"Miss Fletcher will be here directly."
"Oh, but she doesn't belong to us, and Freda and Daffy seemed as if they did."
"Well, we did manage to get along before they came," said Fibo; "but I quite agree that it's a sad business when friends leave us."
"So it is. And we'll have to take a lot of drives to Cressford, Fibo, and have buns in the tea-shop, or my heart will ache."
"We mustn't let it do that. But my poor bones don't like the cold, and a very bright thought has come into my head. What do you think of a nice new saddle being put on Shylock, and Dreamikins perched on the top of it?"
Dreamikins burrowed her head in his shoulder with a little squeal of ecstasy.
"I believe Er poked that thought in your head! He's been very sorry for me, and he's so fond of me that he said he'd think of something nice for me if only I didn't send him away just yet. Why, Fibo, it will be lovely! Do you really and truefully mean it?"
"Yes, I do, if you'll promise me not to try to ride alone. Daw knows all about ponies, and he says he will be able to take you out. Shylock is so quiet that you will be quite safe with him."
"Oh, Fibo dear, what a darling you are!"