That was not the only time Lilian surprised him that day. She appeared absolutely fearless, and when they visited the stables, even climbed after the others up the steep ladder which led to the loft. The children sat down on bundles of sweet-scented hay, and became exceedingly confidential and sociable.
Bob recounted many of his school experiences, all of which, it must be confessed, went to show that Master Robert Wills must have been rather a troublesome pupil. And, not to be beaten, Rupert told how he and Nellie had defied Miss Long on more than one occasion. Lilian grew somewhat silent and grave as she listened; and at last Nellie said:
"Lilian thinks it's wrong to worry Miss Long—don't you, Lil?"
"Yes, I do," was the frank reply. "Mother and father expect us to obey her, so of course we ought. And she's so kind! See how hard she's working for the Christmas tree, and she knitted several rows to your cuffs yesterday, to help you on, Nellie. You'll come to the Christmas tree, won't you?" she asked, turning to Bob.
"Shall I be invited?" he inquired eagerly.
"Oh, yes! There'll be an entertainment in the village schoolroom, and Mr. and Mrs. Wills will be certain to bring you. It's only five weeks to Christmas; one doesn't realise it is so near because the weather is so fine and mild."
After the mid-day meal, the visitor was taken all over the house. Several hours passed in playing an entrancing game of hide-and-seek, in which Lilian joined with as much zest as the rest. They had tea with Miss Long in the schoolroom; and afterwards the boys went off together, whilst the girls settled down quietly to their work for the Christmas tree. As was natural, the conversation presently turned upon their visitor.
"It is a pity he put on his best suit of clothes to-day," said Nellie seriously, "because he got so dusty in the attics; but he said Mrs. Wills would not let him wear his old things, although he told her how much more comfortable he feels in them. Father says he may come and play with us every Saturday if he likes, and he's coming. I do hope he'll agree with Rupert," she added as an afterthought.
"Why should he not?" Miss Long inquired.
"They got nasty with each other more than once this afternoon," Lilian said, "I noticed that. You know Rupert is rather selfish. He likes hiding better than finding—we all do—and when it came to my turn to hide, he wanted to take my place, and Bob wouldn't hear of it. I should not have minded much, but Bob said we must play the game properly, and Rupert grew quite angry with him."