Perhaps never were happier children than those five, as they proudly escorted Neddy through the wood. Nurse and Lucia smiled to each other as they watched them, and Lucia said—
"I love to see children happy, nurse; they can only have childhood once!"
"Yes, that's true, miss, I'm sure; but folks don't always think that."
"So long as they are good and obedient, I mean; I would not have them spoilt for the world."
[CHAPTER IX.]
"A SLIP BETWIXT."
FOR a few days the donkey carriage was in everybody's thoughts, and nothing else could be done. They went into the forest again, and spent a whole day there (a happier day than the last, May said, edging up close to Lucia to whisper it), and Neddy could easily draw the basket of provisions, and even the kettle full of the water for their tea.
But though the girls did not seem to tire of roaming about picking flowers, and taking turns in riding in the little carriage; and though Lucia was perfectly happy with her sketching wherever they liked to take her, the two boys had a project which effectually kept them from "settling down," as nurse was wont to call it.
One morning at breakfast, when the plans for the day were being discussed, Evan asked Lucia if he and Ivor might go into Windsor that morning.
"I don't care to walk so far in this heat," exclaimed nurse; "we'd far better stay in the garden to-day."