Beatrice caught hold of the teapot smiling happily as she did so; her father was not the man to say no, and what he said her mother seldom differed from; so she cut her bread and carved her bacon singing a merry song through it all. After breakfast Beatrice dusted the room, got the children ready for school, and then adjusting a straw hat upon her golden tresses she prepared herself for a saunter through the beautiful fields fresh with the smell of new mown hay and Alderny cows. She gathered flowers as she went and though she felt bright and happy by the news the post had brought there was a sore corner in her heart--she had quarrelled with Lawrence Cathcart, and there was not a man in Senbury Glen who did not know his temper! As she strolled along she caught sight of Mr. Langton who was discussing the subject of Welsh sheep with a tradesman. He saw Beatrice and walked towards her. "Well Bia," he cried, "looking at my cows? aren't they lovely?" "Beautiful Father," cried Beatrice, "but do you know Mrs. Vindsor wants me to go to Paris and spend the winter with her family, and may I go?" "Yes certainly," said Mr. Langton, "and I suppose that means you would like a pound or two to buy dresses and hats?" Beatrice bit her lip and smiled, "I suppose so father," she said gazing placidly at her worn elbows. "Very well," said her father, "I will give you L10, I should advice a blue serge dress and a yellow hat." "Oh no father!" shrieked Beatrice, "I will get a green dress and a hat trimmed with roses." "Very well," said Mr Langton kicking the hay with his feet "do as you please my dear, by the bye when are you expected in Paris?" "Tomorrow week father," said Beatrice, "at least so Mother says." Mr Langton whistled and then turning to his daughter he said, "I tell you what Bia, you had better call at the dressmaker on your way home, I hate a bustle at the last moment." so saying Mr Langton gave his daughter L10 in ready gold! Beatrice took them home and put them in her purse till the afternoon when she paid a long visit to the dressmaker. She invested in a lovely green silk dress trimmed with a delicate shade of rose pink, and the dainty little hat was of the same picturesque colours. She likewise bought a costly diamond brooch and two silver bangles to make up the L10.