Teddy was as much of a "jolly good fellow" as her name implied. She could run, she could row, she could play ball with the best of them, and the boys had not recovered even yet from their astonishment at this state of affairs. The Misses Middletons' niece as much of a fellow as any of them! And they accordingly received her into their midst on terms of absolute equality.
"I'm glad you didn't say anything about any one else," said Arthur, when he had heard Teddy's assurance that she had told nothing. He looked about apprehensively, as if he feared some one might be hidden in the same currant-bushes which had sheltered the broken bowl. "I'll do something nice for you, Teddy. Would you like to ride my wheel?"
"Arthur! Do you really mean it?"
"Of course I do," said he, magnanimously. "I've never let you before, because I was afraid you'd bang it over the first thing and smash it; but I guess you'll be careful."
It was the dearest wish of Theodora's heart to learn to ride. She had intended to ask her aunts' permission that very day; in fact, she had gone back to the house with Miss Thomasine for that especial purpose; and then had come the fatal discovery about the bowl, and everything else had been forgotten.
This was a fine opportunity to try it, for Arthur was not always in such an amiable mood. Perhaps he never again would offer to lend her his wheel and to teach her. The other boys owned bicycles, to be sure, but it was always hard to find them at liberty. There was usually something of importance to be done, and Theodora had noticed that neither of them seemed anxious to lend his wheel to a beginner. Charlie had offered, though, that morning, and she had lost the rare chance by going into the house to ask permission. She concluded not to let another opportunity slip; so, after giving the matter brief consideration, she joyfully accepted Arthur's overture, with or without her aunts' approval.
"Come over the wall, then," said he. "The best place for you to learn is on our drive. I'll try and find one of the other fellows to help teach you; for of course you'll go tumbling all over everywhere, and we might as well try to save the wheel."
Teddy wondered if no effort was to be made to save her as well as the wheel; but she said nothing, and quickly climbed the wall.
The Misses Middleton meanwhile were discussing the situation.
"I know the child is speaking the truth," said Miss Thomasine, again and again. "Some one else is responsible for the accident. Now let us consider who it can have been."