"Do you call her kind to that unfortunate pony? She must weigh fourteen stone if she weighs an ounce!"
"Oh, he's a 'Shan,' and well up to weight. Anyhow, she is active—wait till you see her skipping about the tennis courts! Those two girls are her daughters, Fanny and Jessie—they keep her in great order."
"Do they indeed—but why?"
"Because of her love for bright colours, her giggling, and loud laugh, and the funny things she will say—before they can stop her!"
At this moment, the lady in question loomed large upon the top of the steps, and Nancy ran to meet her. A ruddy, dark-eyed matron, with a rollicking expression,—wearing a stiff white skirt, comfortable canvas shoes, and a flowing green sash.
"Well, Nance!" she called out, "'ow are you? This your friend?"—indicating Mayne with a nod.
"Yes; Captain Mayne—Mrs. Hicks."
Mayne bowed, with slightly exaggerated deference.
Mrs. Hicks nodded approvingly, and said:
"These are my two girls, Miss Fanny and Jessie—Captain Mayne," and she waved her bat towards two trim, lady-like young women. "They are first-class tennis players," she continued, "and you can't go wrong,—whichever you choose."