Alice decided that her husband would probably wish her to comply, and she rejoiced to turn her daughter in among the cousins, so hats, gloves, and parasols were fetched, and the two mothers drove away with the two sleek little toy ponies. By which it may be perceived that Mrs. William Egremont's first impressions were favourable. 'It is the shortest way through the gardens,' said Blanche. 'Have you been through them yet?' 'Mark walked about with us a little.' 'You'll improve them ever so much. There are great capabilities. Look, you could have four tennis courts on this one lawn. We wanted to have a garden-party up here last year, and father said we might, but mother thought Uncle Alwyn might think it a liberty; but now you'll have some delicious ones? Of course you play lawn-tennis?' 'I have seen it a very few times,' said Nuttie. 'Oh, we must teach you! Fancy living without lawn-tennis!' said Blanche. 'I always wonder what people did without it. Only'--with an effort at antiquarianism--'I believe they had croquet.' 'Aunt Ursula says there weren't garden-parties before croquet came in.' 'How dreadful, Ursula! Your name's Ursula, isn't it? Haven't you some jolly little name to go by?' 'Nuttie.' 'Nuttie! That's scrumptious! I'll call you Nuttie, and you may call me Pussycat.' 'That's not so nice as Blanche.' 'Mother won't have me called so when strangers are there, but you aren't a stranger, you know. You must tell me all about yourself, and how you came never to learn tennis!' 'I had something else to do,' said Nuttie, with dignity. 'Oh, you were in the schoolroom! I forgot. Poor little Nuts!' 'At school,' said Ursula. 'Ah, I remember! But you're out now, aren't you? I've been out since this spring. Mother won't let us come out till we are eighteen, isn't it horrid? And we were so worked there! I can tell you a finishing governess is an awful institution! Poor little Rosie and Adey will be in for one by and by. At present they've only got a jolly little Fraulein that they can do anything they please with.' 'Oh, I wonder if she would tell me of some German books!' 'You don't mean that you want to read German!' and Blanche stood still, and looked at her cousin in astonishment. 'Why, what else is the use of learning it?' 'Oh, I don't know. Every one does. If one went abroad or to court, you know,' said Blanche vaguely; but Ursula had now a fresh subject of interest; for, on emerging from the shrubbery, they came in sight of a picturesque but not very architectural church, which had the smallest proportion of wall and the largest of roof, and a pretty oriel-windowed schoolhouse covered with clematis. Nuttie rushed into inquiries about services and schools, and was aghast at hearing of mere Sundays and saints' days.