The two matrons fell into talk, and, still wearing that gentle look of surprise, Theresa turned to the three young women: she seemed to ask for conversational help, and they gave it in the form of questions. Did she ride? No, she wished she did. She thought Basil was going to teach her.
"He rides perfectly." The second Miss Waring looked across the room to where he sat, and in that shy glance Theresa read renunciation, maidenly and empty of all bitterness.
"I expect you all do," she said.
"No, my sisters don't care for it. I love it."
"Basil taught her when she was small. She can ride anything," said the eldest sister proudly. "They hunt together."
"We haven't lately, Rose," the other said, and blushed.
Theresa leaned forward coaxingly. "Oh, do go next time and let me see you both!" she cried. "It's splendid to see people doing things really well."
"Oh, do you think so?" The second Miss Waring controlled a smile.
Was she fond of gardening? This question was from the youngest beauty. No, she didn't know anything about it. They only had a patch of rough grass at home, and an apple-tree. There was a pause. It was Rose who returned to the subject of books.
"I expect you are a great reader?"