“I only hope she will not disturb mama till we come home,” said Frederica.
The drive was charming, but even Frederica confessed to being a little tired when they reached home. It was five and after. Madame Ascot met them at the door. It puts the best-tempered people out to be kept waiting, and her face was not an agreeable one to see at the moment.
“Did you not understand that I said four?” asked she sharply.
“Miss Frederica,” began Dixen, touching his hat to the young lady.
“Did I not say four?” repeated Mrs Ascot.
“But, madame, it would have been quite impossible. We did not leave home till nearly three,” said Tessie.
“Don’t let it happen again,” said Mrs Ascot; taking no notice of the child.
Frederica was patting her favourites, calling them, all sorts of pet names. She turned as Mrs Ascot attempted to pass her.
“It is a pity, madame. You should have sent, for a carriage. It is quite impossible that the ponies should be taken out again to-night, you know,” she added as Mrs Ascot seemed to be preparing to enter the carriage. It is likely madame would have proved it quite possible, had not Mr Vane entered the garden at the moment Tessie ran down the steps to meet him.
“Oh, papa, we are to have a whole week of holidays. Are you not glad?”