“How did you know of them?” asked Elsie.
“How shouldn’t we know when the servants are going back and forth all the time?” returned Walter. “I say, Elsie, have them harnessed up now and let me drive them. Won’t you?”
“Ask papa about it, Walter; he is the one to decide.”
“No; you ask him; he’ll maybe say no to me, but he won’t to you.”
“I don’t know,” Elsie returned with a slight smile, “he has often said it to me when he didn’t approve of my wishes; but I’ll ask him.” And she went at once to him with the request, where he sat on the other side of the room talking with Mrs. Travilla and Cousin Mildred.
“Walter has learned how to drive, and I think may be trusted if he promises to be gentle with the ponies, and not use a whip,” Mr. Dinsmore answered. “But they are yours, daughter, and you yourself shall decide whether you will lend them to him or not.”
“Thank you, papa,” she said, and went slowly back.
“Well, what did he say?” asked Walter.
“That I might decide it myself. Walter, will you promise to be kind and gentle and not touch my ponies with a whip?”
“Pshaw! what a question! But I promise. How long can I have them?”