Ralph listened with his eyes shining, his lips apart, and his breath coming fast. "Oh, I didn't know they were like that," he said. "Let us go now, now; don't put it off, please; let's come this very instant-minute." "No," said Harriet firmly. "I could not possibly take you to-day. But I will manage it if you choose me for your school-mother. Of course, you won't choose me. I know who you'll choose." "Who?" asked Ralph. "That Robina girl." "Who?" asked Ralph. "Oh, that creature who came for you and Curly Pate when you were sent for, to say good-bye to your father." "Is _she_ Robina?" asked Ralph. "Oh, I like her so much!" "That is because you don't know her. Shall I tell you some things about her?" "Would it be right?" asked Ralph. "You needn't listen if you don't like," replied Harriet. "You can go to the other side of the paddock. I am going to say them aloud, whether you listen or not." Harriet instantly crossed her hands on her lap, and began saying in a chanting tone:-- "Robina was so naughty at home, and made such a dreadful noise in the room with her poor sick mother that she had to be sent away. She was sent here to this school, and since she came all the rest of us are dreadfully unhappy, for, although she looks kind, she is not a bit kind; she is the sort of girl who doesn't obey. She was sent away from home because she was so disobedient--" "Oh, don't!" said Ralph suddenly. "Why--what is the matter?" said Harriet. "Were you listening?" "I couldn't help myself; you spoke so loud. I didn't want to, but you did speak very loud. Why do you say those horrid things about her?" "They are true," said Harriet. "I don't mean to be unkind to her. I wouldn't be unkind to anybody, but, at the same time, I want to warn you in case you are taken in by her ways and choose her as your school-mother." Ralph was quite silent. After a minute he said in an altered voice: "Let's do something now--what shall we?" Harriet suggested that they should visit the farmyard at the back of the house and coax Jim, the groom, to let them ride on some of the horses. This, of course, was most fascinating, and no sooner had it been thought of than it was done. The ride was followed by something still more exciting. Jim was going to drive to the nearest town with the spring cart, and he offered to take the two children with him. Harriet no sooner heard this proposal than she accepted it, and she and Ralph had a glorious drive to town. There she spent sixpence--all the money she possessed--on different sweetmeats. "I wish I had some more," she said. "I'd give you all my money--I would, indeed!" "There are quite enough sweeties there," said Ralph; "but if you really want to buy other things, Harriet, I have got money." "Have you? Let's see what you've got," said Harriet. Ralph put his hand into his breeches pocket, and took out a handful of coppers, a shilling, and two sixpences.