ramble with Elfride, without the contingent possibility of the
enjoyment being spoilt by her becoming weary. The pony was
saddled and brought round.

'Now, Mr. Smith,' said the lady imperatively, coming downstairs,
and appearing in her riding-habit, as she always did in a change
of dress, like a new edition of a delightful volume, 'you have a
task to perform to-day. These earrings are my very favourite
darling ones; but the worst of it is that they have such short
hooks that they are liable to be dropped if I toss my head about
much, and when I am riding I can't give my mind to them. It would
be doing me knight service if you keep your eyes fixed upon them,
and remember them every minute of the day, and tell me directly I
drop one. They have had such hairbreadth escapes, haven't they,
Unity?' she continued to the parlour-maid who was standing at the
door.

'Yes, miss, that they have!' said Unity with round-eyed
commiseration.

'Once 'twas in the lane that I found one of them,' pursued Elfride
reflectively.

'And then 'twas by the gate into Eighteen Acres,' Unity chimed in.

'And then 'twas on the carpet in my own room,' rejoined Elfride
merrily.

'And then 'twas dangling on the embroidery of your petticoat,
miss; and then 'twas down your back, miss, wasn't it? And oh, what