“Well, you have come home punctually, Miss Mary,” she said. “I suppose you heard the bell quite distinctly?”
“Quite,” said Mary, “both times.”
“That is very nice,” said the maid. “Now we can feel quite comfortable about you when you are amusing yourself in the forest. And you don’t feel chilly, I hope, Miss? It would never do for you to catch cold while you are with us.”
“No, indeed,” said Mary, smiling. “I shouldn’t like it at all. But you needn’t be afraid. It felt quite warm in—the forest. At least after the first it did. Shall I get ready for tea now? I suppose godmother will be home soon.”
“Sure to be so,” replied Pleasance. “My lady is always punctual. Indeed I thought I heard the ponies’ bells in the distance just before you came in. It will be nice for Miss Verity to find you back and ready to welcome her.”
Chapter Nine.
“That Means Good Luck, I am Sure.”
Pleasance’s last words were Miss Verity’s first ones.