"I do thank you. I shall always and for ever be good now. A pony of my own will be simply glorious! You see, Aunt Diana, horses really understand you if you talk to them; they're like dogs, and I do want somebody to talk to."
"You will have the Rectory children as companions," said her aunt coldly. "I want you to understand that this pony must not distract you from your lessons. You are a very ignorant little girl, and have a great deal of lost time to make up."
Harebell could not be quenched. She fled out to Andy and informed him that she was simply "riotously happy."
"I can't think where you get your words from!" he said, shaking his head. "'Happy' is good enough for any one."
"Daddy used to say 'riotously.' I've heard him often. It means, Andy, that I'm bursting with joy! Just think what I've got in front of me!"
In a few days' time her lessons began. She walked to the Rectory one bright morning and was received by Mrs. Garland, who took her straight to the schoolroom. It was not yet nine o'clock. The governess was not there; but Peter and Nan came forward and shook hands with her.
"You'll have to know me now," said Harebell with twinkling eyes.
Mrs. Garland left them together. The little girls eyed each other silently.
"I wish you were a boy," said Peter gloomily.
Harebell laughed.