"Well, madam—well—I respect your proper pride, and anything I can do—— By the way—eh, Ronald?—there's no saying, but I might invite your friend down to the country.—Do you know Somersetshire, madam?"
"I used to know it very well when I was a girl. My people lived in Somersetshire."
"Then perhaps you will come and pay us a visit, and see Ronald after he has learned the full use of the saddle and bridle—eh, Ronald?"
"Oh—aunty! Will you come?" said Ronald.
"I will, darling.—I should like it very much indeed, Mr. Harvey; it is most kind of you to ask me."
"But please—please," said Ronald, who had suddenly lost all his fear, "may Connie come, too?"
"Who's Connie?"
"My special friend and sister."
"Ho, ho!" said the old man. "I must hear more about her. Can make no rash promises. But all right, little chap; I'll do what I can for you. Now, if you had taken after—— Well, never mind—I won't say anything to hurt you."
"And, please," said Ronald suddenly, "of course you wouldn't pay my aunty, for the things she did can't be paid for. But poor Mrs. Cricket—aunty, I know her address. The place in the country is called Eastborough; and it's Ivy Cottage, aunty; and—she was good to me——"