"It would be a lovely tree to climb, the boughs are so regular," said Honor, gazing into the green heights above.
"I don't believe I could go up a tree if a mad bull were after me," asserted Pauline. "I should just collapse at the bottom, and be gored to death, I know I should!"
"It isn't difficult," declared Honor. "You've only to catch hold of the branches, and keep swinging yourself a little higher. I've climbed ever so many trees in our garden at home."
"I should like to see you do it here, then."
"Very well! I'll show you, if you don't believe me."
The lime tree in question stood close to the house—so near, in fact, that some of its boughs brushed the windows. Miss Cavendish had several times decided to have it cut down, thinking it interfered with the light; but Miss Maitland had always begged that it might be spared a little longer, saying she loved its cool shade.
Honor swung herself quite easily from branch to branch, while the group of girls below watched her with admiration.
"You look like a middy going up the main-mast," said Ruth.
"Or a monkey at the Zoo," added Lettice.
"That's the voice of jealousy," remarked Chatty. "Lettice is green with envy because she can't do it herself."