'I have not cared to ride while you were away, papa, as Mary does
not ride.'

'Miss Crofton might have learnt to ride; there would always be a
horse at her disposal.'

'We like walking better,' Milly said, blushing a little, and
fidgeting nervously with one of the buttons on her father's coat. 'I
used to feel in the way, you know, when I rode with you and Mrs.
Darrell.'

'That was your own fault, Milly,' he answered, with a displeased
look.

'I suppose it was. But I think Augusta felt it too. O, by the bye,
papa, I did not tell you quite all the news when we were out
together yesterday.'

'Indeed!'

'No; I forgot to mention that Mr. Egerton has come back.'

'Angus Egerton?'

'Yes; he came back last winter.'

'You never said so in your letters.'

'Didn't I? I suppose that was because I knew you were rather