It was some days after when they took me out for my first drive. I could walk now, and I was dressed, even though Madge did say my clothes looked as if they were draped on a bean-pole: but they still took great care of me, and anyone would have thought I was really important, to see how Julia tucked the rug round me and slipped a little soft pillow behind my back. “ ’Tis lookin’ well ye are, thank God!” she said, regarding the effect judicially. “Let ye go aisy, now, over the bumps, sir. There’s a pot-hole in the road beyant, that Bence druv me into wan time; an’ ’twas a mercy the lid was on the car, or it’s out I’d have been. I have the bump on me head yet!”
“I will, Julia,” said Colin, at the wheel. “Quite ready, Mrs. McNab?” as she took her place beside me. “Hop in, Madge.” We slid off gently, leaving Julia waving from the steps.
I don’t think I’ll ever forget that first drive. The country was all dried-up, for no rain had fallen for weeks: but even the yellow paddocks were beautiful to me, and every big red-gum tree seemed to welcome me back. As we mounted the headland above Porpoise Bay the sea came in sight, blue and peaceful, with little flecks of white foam far out, and here and there the brown sails of a fishing-boat. The islands were like jewels on its bosom. I looked at the green hills of Shepherd’s Island, and thought of the night—how long ago it seemed!—when the children and I had taken off our silent passenger, and of how narrowly we had escaped running upon its rocks as we raced home before the driving storm. It had been a wild enough venture, but it had succeeded; and it had given me the two best little comrades anyone need want. Never were allies stauncher than my Fellow-Members of the Band.
The drive was only a short one: Dr. Firth had asked us to afternoon tea, saying that the distance was quite long enough for my first outing. He seemed curiously young and happy as he ran down the steps to meet us. Already he and Colin and Madge were firm friends. I liked to watch him whenever his eyes rested on Colin. They made me think of Father’s eyes, full of pride in a son.
The housekeeper came out to welcome me, and we had tea in the verandah, among the ferns and palms. After we had finished, Mrs. McNab took out her knitting and settled herself comfortably in a lounge-chair.
“I know you want to show these children the house,” she said. “I will sit here, if you don’t mind, Dr. Firth. Be sure you do not let Doris become tired. I heard her tell Colin this morning that her knees were still ‘groggy.’ Of course, I can only guess at the meaning of that expression—still——!” She laughed at me as I pulled down the corners of my mouth.
“I’m afraid I’m pretty hopeless as a governess,” I said contritely.
“So hopeless that I fear we’ll have to find you other occupation,” said the Doctor, laughing. He patted my shoulder. “Come and give me your opinion of my spring-cleaning.”
The big house was very different now. The rooms that had been full of cabinets and showcases were re-furnished: one a billiard-room, with a splendid new table, the other a very charming sitting-room, dainty, yet homelike, with comfortable chairs and couches, a piano, a writing-table, and low book-cases full of enticing-looking books. I exclaimed at it.
“What a jolly room!”