Miss Tredgold went indoors, and Verena joined Briar and Patty, who were in a great state of excitement.
Meanwhile Pauline had reached the wicket-gate. She opened it and went out. Nancy was waiting for her. Nancy’s cheeks were flushed and her eyes bright. She looked as if she had been quarreling with somebody. Pauline knew that look well. Nancy’s two friends Becky and Amy were standing at a little distance. There was a small governess-cart drawn up not far away, and Becky was stroking the nose of a rough little Forest pony.
“Father gave me the cart and pony this morning,” said Nancy. “There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for me. The pony and cart aren’t much, perhaps, but still it is fun to have them to fly over the place. Well, and how goes her little high-and-mightiness? Frumpy, I can see. Grumpy, I can guess. Now, is Pauline glad to see poor old Nance—eh?”
“Of course, Nancy; but I have come to say——”
“We’ll have no ‘buts,’ darling, if you please.”
“I can’t come to the picnic, Nancy; I really cannot.”
“How white poor little Dumpy looks! Wants some one to cheer her up, or she’ll be dumped and frumped and grumped all in one. Now, darling, I’m going to put my arm round your waist. I am going to feel your little heart go pit-a-pat. You shall lean against me. Isn’t that snug? Doesn’t dear old Nancy count for something in your life?”
“Of course you do, Nancy. I am fond of you. I have always said so,” replied Pauline.
“Then you will yield, darling, to the inevitable.”
“I am yielding to it now,” replied Pauline. “I am not going with you because I can’t.”