“Perhaps Walter will resign the reins to you a part of the way,” Mr. Dinsmore answered, “but we have not time to go very far.”
“You may drive to the end of the next field,” Walter said, giving her the reins.
“Such a little bit of a way!” she grumbled, and would certainly have held on to them when the designated spot was reached if Mr. Dinsmore had not been so close at hand.
He seemed in a most amiable mood, conversing with the two children in an affable and entertaining manner; but Enna knew he could be very stern and authoritative on occasion. So a pout was the only evidence of displeasure she ventured upon when Walter resumed the reins.
But no notice was taken of it by either brother, and presently Mr. Dinsmore began talking of the expected festivities at the Oaks, and gave them their invitation, adding, “You, Enna, will be very welcome to come and stay the whole week if you can enjoy yourself and let others do the same.”
“What do you mean by that?” she asked, snappishly.
“That you must be pleasant-tempered; not domineering over your little mates, but willing to yield your wishes to theirs to a reasonable extent; in a word, be polite and unselfish.”
“I shan’t go!”
“Very well; please yourself in that.”
“I’ll go, Horace, thank you,” Walter said. “I wouldn’t miss it for a good deal.”