"Your treatment of him proves so entirely salutary that you have my consent before I even guess what your plan may be," she said, looking up at him with smiling eyes.
"That's good hearing. I have hired a horse for a week, and am going to take a riding tour to various townships and outlying farms that are beyond my reach on foot, and I should like to take Jack with me. Is there any pony on the farm that he could borrow?"
"Father has let him ride Tim lately. Tim has quieted with age, and though still full of spirit, seldom indulges in tricks. I don't know if the pony could be spared for so long, but it would be so big a joy to Jack that I feel as if father is certain to consent."
"Where may your father be found? I'll go and ask him. I want to get off quickly while the day is fairly cool. Meanwhile, will you put up in Jack's school knapsack such things as are absolutely needful for a few days' bush riding? Make it as light as you can."
"You are accepting father's consent as a foregone conclusion."
"I think so; it's his own fault that I do so. He never yet has refused me anything I've asked."
Jack was nearly wild with joy when, half-an-hour later, he and Tom were trotting down the green lane side by side. He turned in his saddle to wave his cap to Eva and her mother who stood watching their departure from the gate, then settled himself in his seat with a quivering sigh of enjoyment.
"It's just splendid of you to have thought of it. Just think of riding with you for a whole week. I wish it were for ever and ever."
Tom laughed over Jack's enthusiasm. "I expect we should both get pretty tired of it and of each other then, Jack."
"I shouldn't," declared Jack, stoutly, putting Tim into a canter. "I'd never be tired of being with you. You're the jolliest grown-up I've ever seen except father. I'd like to stay with you until I can go to him. It's queer he doesn't want me now. I keep on telling him in every letter how big I am. Where are we going to first?"