"I can't think why you have given it to me, grannie!" was the answer, if answer it could be called.
And Mrs. Beauchamp said she would find the reason inside the little basket fastened to the handle-bars.
The old lady turned away, and pretended to look out of one of the little coloured glass windows, while Monica read the few words on a tiny card which she found:--
"For an unselfish girl,
from her loving
GRANNIE."
A lump rose in Monica's throat as she stepped across the little summer-house and bent down and kissed the face which only a few short months ago she had thought so stern and unlovable. How different everything was nowadays!
"I didn't do it for a reward, grannie dear," she whispered. "I never dreamt of such a thing. I quite gave up all thought of the bicycle when I chose the five pounds."
"I know you did, my child," replied the old lady, while she furtively wiped her eyes, which were suspiciously moist, although she was smiling now; "but you see, I didn't! And as I knew nothing about these things, I took Mr. Bertram into my confidence, and told him to choose just the right kind and size; and I should think he has done his work very well. Now you will have something to amuse your friends with, to-day."
"We shall have to take great care not to knock it about," said Monica.
"Ah! that reminds me: Mr. Bertram advised your learning to ride on an old one first, so I have ordered Brown's to send a man over with one from Osmington this morning, and if you like to spend a little time in having a lesson, he can stay. I daresay the girls would find it amusing."
"To see me tumble off, grannie?" cried Monica merrily.