“Is it certain sure you’ll sell her?” asked Lilac.
Peter nodded. “She’ll have a good home yonder,” he said; “a rare fuss they’ll make with her.”
“She’ll miss you though,” said Lilac, shaking her head.
“Well,” answered Peter, “I shouldn’t wonder if she did look out for me a bit just at first. I’ve always been foolish over her since she was ill.”
“But if Uncle sells the colt I s’pose you won’t sell her, will you?” continued Lilac.
“He won’t sell him,” was Peter’s decided answer, as he turned to his work again.
Now, nothing could have been more determined than Mr Greenways’ manner as he rode away, but yet when Lilac heard Peter speak so firmly she felt he must be right. The colt would not be sold and None-so-pretty would have to go in his place. She returned to the farm more than ever impressed by Peter’s power. Quiet, dull Peter who seemed hardly able to put two sentences together, and had never an answer ready for his sisters’ sharp speeches.
That evening when Bella and Agnetta returned from Lenham, Lilac was at the gate. She had been watching for them eagerly, for she was anxious to hear all about the grand things they had seen, and hoped they would be inclined to talk about it. As they were saying goodbye to Mr Buckle with a great many smiles and giggles, the farmer came out.
“Stop a bit, Buckle,” he said, “I want a word with you about the colt. I’ve changed my mind since the morning.”
Lilac heard no more as she followed her cousins into the house; but there was no need. Peter had been right.