“Papa, I am so sorry we did not drive round by the office and take you up. I thought you must have been home. Yes, they are rather warm, and tired too, but they will be none the worse, will they, Dixen? And I am to drive mama every fine day and you must come too, papa. I shall be charmed to drive you.”
Mr Vane laughed.
“My neck is too valuable,” said he:
“Not more valuable than mama’s; and we can take Dixen if you are afraid. Now you must be kind to them, Dixen, and rub them well down,” added she, as the old man prepared to lead them away.
“Never fear, Miss Frederica,” said Dixen.
“But I thought Mrs Ascot was going out;” said Mr Vane.
“It is too late now,” said that lady angrily.
“Quite too late, and the ponies are tired. It is quite impossible,” said Tessie, with irritating dignity.
“All right,” said Mr Vane, indifferently.
“Papa, we are going to have a party in the drawing-room to-night. We are all going, and mama and Selina and you must come too, just after dinner. Will you come, papa?” pleaded both girls, hanging on his arms.