"School is enchanting," said Nan. "A girl in the next village goes to a boarding-school, and she loves it. I don't pity you, if you go to school, Harebell."
"And how can I part with Chris?"
"You'll have him in the holidays," said Peter; "and p'raps dad will keep him for you when you're away, and we'll exercise him for you!"
This was too much for Harebell. She turned upon Peter in a blazing fury.
"I hate you! I'd like Chris to kick you off and tread on you, if you ever dare to ride him. He knows all about you. I've told him. And I've told God, too, and I'll never play with you again, and I won't speak to you, and if you leave any of your birds' eggs about, I will smash them in bits!"
"My dear child!"
Mrs. Garland had come into the room unnoticed.
Harebell's fury was stayed. She hung her head.
Nan was looking quite frightened; Peter red and uncomfortable.
"What has Peter done to provoke such an outburst?" Mrs. Garland said.