said Mrs. Best, as both elders burst out laughing; and Agatha said,
in an undertone, "Don't make yourself such a goose, Vera."

"I should think it rather rough sailing for bikes," said Paulina.

"I should have thought so, myself," returned Magdalen; "but the
Clipstone girls do not seem to think so. I see them sailing merrily
into Rockstone."

"You have neighbours, then?" said Vera.

"Certainly. Rockstone supplies a good deal. Here are various cards
of people whose visits are yet to be returned. Clipstone is further
off; but the daughters will be nice friends for you. I met one of
them before, when she was staying at Lord Rotherwood's. But I am
afraid your boxes are hardly come yet. Still, you will like to take
off your things before dinner, even if you cannot unpack."

She led the way, and disposed of each girl in her new quarters,
explaining to Agatha that her's and her little lodger were only
temporary; but it struck upon her rather painfully that the only word
of approbation or comfort came from Mrs. Best, and there were no
notes at all of admiration of the scenery.

"Well," she said to herself, "much is not to be expected from people
who have been tired and shaken up in a station cab over newly-mended
roads! Were they as bad when I came? But then I could look out, and
did not hear poor Sophy's groans all the way. I rather wish she had
not come with them, though I am glad to see her again for this last
time."