“I used to ride once,” she answered, coloring high with pleasure.
“I can lend you a habit; and we have a very nice horse—quite quiet, and at the same time spirited.”
“I am not afraid of any horses,” answered the girl. “I should like a ride immensely.”
“We will have lunch, then a ride, then a good cozy chat together by the schoolroom fire, then dinner; and then, what do you say to a dance? We have asked some young friends to come to the Castle to-night for the purpose.”
“I must not be too late in going home,” said Sylvia. “And,” she added, “I have not brought a dress for the evening.”
“Oh, we must manage that,” said Audrey. “What a good thing that you and I are the same height! Now, shall we walk round the shrubbery?”
“The shrubbery always reminds me,” said Sylvia, “of the first day we met.”
“Yes. I was very angry with you that day,” said Audrey, with a laugh. “You must know that I always hated that old custom of throwing the Castle open to every one on New Year’s Day.”
“But I am too glad of it,” said Sylvia. “It made me know you, and Evelyn too.”
“Don’t forget, Audrey,” said Evelyn at that moment, “that Sylvia is really my friend. It was I who first brought her to the Castle.—You do not forget that, do you, Sylvia?”