"Tick, Tick, which does he oil and which does he harness?" said
Paula.

"That little tongue wants both," said Agatha.

"But do, do come and see," said Thekla, not at all disconcerted by
being laughed at; and Vera came, only asserting her independence by
not putting on either hat or boots.

Thekla led the way to the stable, tucked under the hill at the back,
and presiding over a linhay, as she had already learnt to call the
tiny farm-court, containing accommodation for two cows, a pig, and
sundry fowls. There was a shed attached with a wicker pony carriage
and the bicycle, a handsome modern one, with all the newest
appendages, including the "Nevertires," as Thekla had translated
them.

But disappointment was in store for Vera. Magdalen came out during
the inspection, and was received with -

"Sister, you never told us of this beauty."

"It was a parting present from General Mansell," she said, "and he
took great pains to get me a very good one."

"And you bike!"

"Oh, yes; I learnt to go out with the Colvins. But I do not venture
to use it much here, unless the road is good. Those rocks, freshly