Nancy came out, with a wondering look, to receive Maggie.

"It is Mr. Frank Buxton," said she, by way of an introduction. "He has

brought mamma the newspaper."

"Will you walk in, sir, and rest? I can tie up your horse."

"No, thank you," said he, "I must be off. Don't forget, little mousey, that

you are to ready for another ride next Wednesday." And away he went.

It needed a good deal of Nancy's diplomacy to procure Maggie this pleasure;

although I don't know why Mrs. Browne should have denied it, for the circle

they went was always within sight of the knoll in front of the house, if

any one cared enough about the matter to mount it, and look after them.

Frank and Maggie got great friends in these rides. Her fearlessness

delighted and surprised him, she had seemed so cowed and timid at first.

But she was only so with people, as he found out before holidays ended.

He saw her shrink from particular looks and inflexions of voice of her

mother's; and learnt to read them, and dislike Mrs. Browne accordingly,

notwithstanding all her sugary manner toward himself. The result of his