There was an old stable at the back of the house where he could lodge, and the services of a special man were to be secured to look after him. The thought of the pony comforted Robina immensely on that first evening at home. When she sat opposite to Aunt Felicia at supper, it occurred to her to mention it. "Aunt Felice," she said, "I have got a great piece of news for you." "What is that, my dear Robina? Don't put your elbow on the table; it is so unladylike; and I wish, my dear, you would not have that habit of opening your mouth when you are not speaking. You ought to say the old phrase, `Papa, potatoes, prunes and prism' constantly to yourself. There is nothing for keeping the mouth in a nice shape like uttering the word `prism.'" "I can't, really, Aunt Felice. I am not made that way," said Robina. "I can't be worried about my mouth." "There you are," said Aunt Felice, "always so headstrong, rough, and disagreeable. Now, _don't_ frown! It really makes you look like a fright. Your poor mother quite dreads the thought of having you in the house; you are so undisciplined and wayward." "I was thought quite a good girl at school," said Robina. "Then that was because none of them really knew you." "I think they knew me very well. You have to be your real self at school, Aunt Felice." "Then may I ask, miss, if that is the case, why you are not your real self at home?" "I am afraid I have got two selves, and I am my worst self at home, because I am rubbed the wrong way." "Indeed!" said Miss Jennings. "That is nice hearing. And who rubs you the wrong way?" "I know you will be very angry with me, Aunt Felicia; but you do." "Robina: this is really more than I can stand. You don't speak in that impertinent way to me any more: you have no respect for those older and better than yourself, Robina. I don't say for a moment that you have not your good points. You are a clever, strong, intelligent child, but you are too independent: that is what is the matter with you." Robina fidgetted. "_Don't_ push your things about on your plate like that!" said Miss Felicia: "and oh! don't kick me with your long legs under the table! You really are most objectionable in your manners--such a rough sort of girl." "Come, Auntie," said Robina suddenly, "I have been thinking a lot of my return home. I have never been to school before, and these are my very first holidays, and anyhow, there is jolly good news--" "Don't say jolly! It is a most unladylike expression." "Oh, I must talk a little slang. I can't be too proper. Besides, `jolly' is accepted now as the most correct English. `Awfully jolly' is a lovely phrase." "It is a misnomer, and abominable. Don't ever say `awfully jolly' in my presence." "I will try not to," said Robina aloud. To herself, she whispered: "I won't be tempted: things never are awfully jolly when she is about." "May I tell you the _nice_ thing that has happened?" she said, after a pause.