'But how did you do it? When was it done? You must have had it done since I spoke two days ago,' declared Horatia.
'How did I do it? I did it by turning a golden key, my lass. There's few things that that can't do,' he replied with a rough laugh.
'I should never have imagined that the barn could have been made so pretty and artistic. It was very clever of you to think of it, father,' said Sarah.
The millionaire looked pleased. Perhaps these few words of his proud daughter gave him more satisfaction than all Horatia's delighted thanks, for Sarah was hard to please, and her father always felt that she secretly, and sometimes openly, despised him; but he only said, 'You didn't think your rough, old father knew what dainty young ladies like you and Miss Horatia would like, did you?'
Sarah coloured, for this was exactly what she had thought; but she replied, 'Then I was mistaken, for it is just the thing for this nasty, cold weather.—Isn't it, Horatia?'
'Yes; but my roller-skates! I have left them at home. I never thought I should get skating up here,' said Horatia suddenly, and her face fell.
'You can have mine. I'll send to the house for them, and we can get a pair in Ousebank for me,' said Sarah.
'I think we can manage that,' said the millionaire, as he made a sign to the footman, who brought two beautiful pairs of roller-skates, and prepared to put them on.
'It's just like Cinderella or a fairy pantomime,' cried Horatia, as she started skimming along the smooth floor.
'My!' cried Naomi to Nancy. 'However can they keep on their feet with they wheels under their boots?'