She sobered down then, but her tongue went chattering on, and when Mrs. Keith came back into the room, she could not keep it still.
Mr. Graham stayed to lunch, and then had his private interview with Mrs. Keith. She was very hard to persuade.
"I have no one to attend to a pony."
"Couldn't a lad come in from the village? Let me stand the extra expense. She has always ridden. It seems a pity to drop it."
"She will not be able to indulge in such expensive tastes when she grows up."
"We will hope her future husband may be able to gratify them," said Mr. Graham. "I don't think Harebell is the sort to remain unmarried for long."
Mrs. Keith looked very stern; then suddenly she gave way.
"If you really wish to make her a present of a pony, I will make arrangements for its keep. But I do not know who will accompany her when she rides out."
"Let her trot about the country lanes alone. It won't hurt her. Limit her to a certain time and locality, if you like. You will find her obedient; but she needs a certain amount of freedom to grow. I have known her since she was a baby."
He got his way, and his departure was sweetened to Harebell by the thought of the pleasure in front of her. She got hold of her aunt's hand and squeezed it in her excitement.