"Angels don't have khaki-coloured complexions!" "Yes, they do--the nicest sort! I don't care for the golden-headed kind. At this moment you're my beau-ideal of blessedness." "Toadstools savour of elves, not angels!" Githa was well aware of her nickname. "But look here! I'll take good care of the little chap, and make him happy. I'll smuggle him to school sometimes, so that you can see him. I could shut him up in the tool-house, if I square Fuller." "Your collie won't devour him?" Gwethyn asked, with a sudden burst of anxiety. "Rolf never touches small dogs. He's a gentleman in that. Don't you worry. Tony'll be quite safe, and he'll soon fatten up with plenty of milk, and a garden to run about in. Bless him! He's taking to his new missis already. There, precious one!" "I want him back at the holidays," cried Gwethyn jealously. "He's not to forget me." "Right you are! Hold him while I get my hat and my bike. I don't think I can carry him and ride--he'd wriggle. I'll have to wheel my machine home. There, kiss his nose just once more, and let him go!" CHAPTER VIII An Adventure The transference of Tony cemented the friendship between Gwethyn and Githa. With such a precious bond to unite them, intimacy followed as a matter of course. On closer acquaintance the little Toadstool proved quite an interesting companion; she was humorous and amusing, and though not demonstrative, seemed to have a store of affection hidden behind the barrier of her reserve. She was seldom confidential, but every now and then she would open her heart the least little bit, and give Gwethyn a peep at her real feelings. "Why did you take such a spite against me when first I came?" asked the latter in one of these rare moments. "I don't know! I liked you and yet I hated you! I think it was because you and Katrine sprung yourselves so suddenly on me that morning in the orchard. You caught me in my old pinafore feeding the fowls. You both looked so smart, and you marched up so confidently asking for milk, and evidently taking me for a farm girl. I could have thrown stones at you! I thought you were conceited, and I'd try and take you down a peg." "You certainly did your best. You were absolutely vitriolic!" "Well, I'm sorry. No, I'm not! You were rather conceited at first. You and Katrine thought you'd just run the show at Aireyholme. You're ever so much nicer now. Don't be offended! I always say what I think. You know that by this time."