won't find her a dull companion. She is a great pet of mine, and
though she may not be as good a companion as a boy would be for you, I
am sure when you once get to know her you will find her a very good
substitute. You see, not having had much to do with boys, I am not
very good at devising amusement for you. I can only say that if there
is anything you would like to do while you are here you have only to
tell me, and if it be possible I will put you in the way of it."

"Thank you very much, sir. You are extremely kind," Ralph said
heartily; for with a pony and a boat it did seem that his visit would
not be nearly so dull as he had anticipated. "I am sure I shall get on
capitally."

Just at his moment there was a knock at the door. It opened, and a
girl entered.

"You have just come at the right moment, Mabel," Mr. Penfold said as
she came in. "This is Ralph Conway, of whom I was speaking to you.
Ralph, this is Mabel Withers. I asked her to come in early this
morning so as to act as your guide round the place."

The boy and girl shook hands with each other. She was the first to
speak.

"So you are Ralph. I have been wondering what you would be like. Uncle
has been telling me you were coming. I like your looks, and I think
you are nice."

Ralph was taken rather aback. This was not the way in which his
schoolfellows' sisters had generally addressed him.