strange he jumped on Brown Bess, and we had a canter
together.

"My dear Hatty, it was just delicious! I never felt happier in
my life. But Mr. Sefton would not let me ride long; he said I
should be very stiff at first, and that we should have a longer
ride to-morrow, when Edna would be with us; and of course I had
to submit.

"I was far too lazy to play tennis that afternoon, so Edna made
me get into the hammock, and I had a nice, quiet time with my
book, while she and the Athertons had their usual games, and bye
and bye Grace Donnerton came and sat by me, and we had another
nice talk.

"The next morning Edna said she would ride with us, so Mr.
Sefton ordered the horses directly after breakfast, and we had a
glorious ride for more than two hours. I found trotting rather
difficult at first, but Mr. Sefton would not let Edna laugh at
my awkwardness, and he encouraged me by telling me that I
should soon ride well, and after that I did not mind a bit. Edna
really rides perfectly; it was a pleasure to watch her. Once she
left us and had a tearing gallop by herself over the common. The
other horses got excited and wanted to gallop too, but Mr.
Sefton held Whitefoot's reins, and managed to quiet them both
with some difficulty. I thought Edna looked lovely as she rode
back to us; she had such a beautiful color, and her eyes looked
so bright I don't wonder people admire her so.

"Edna was going to an archery meeting that afternoon with the
Athertons, but as there was no room for me in their wagonette, I
stayed at home quietly with Mrs. Sefton, and managed to make
myself useful, for several people called, and I had to make tea
and help entertain them; but I got a quiet hour in my favorite
garden seat. Edna brought Florence and Maud Atherton back to
dinner, and we had a very merry evening, playing all sorts of
games. Mr. Sefton came into the drawing-room for a little while,
but he did not stay long. I think the girls quizzed him, and
made him uncomfortable. It is such a pity that he is not more at
his ease in society; people think he is stupid and cannot talk,
but he is really very intelligent, and knows a great deal about
a good many subjects. There is to be no ride to-morrow. Mrs.
Sefton is going up to town on business, and Edna is to accompany
her to the station, for