"A dear little boy. I am his school-mother. He chose me--or rather, he didn't choose me first, but I became his school-mother afterwards; and the prize was a pony and a side-saddle. You will have me skimming all over the country now when I am at home, Jim. I'll be worse to manage than ever." "But miss, there is the master. How do you know as he'll let you keep a pony?" "Oh, that is all right," said Robina. "The gentleman who has given him is going to pay all his expenses. He is quite a rich gentleman, and he doesn't mind what he spends. So I want a very nice groom indeed." "I wish I could do for him, miss," said Jim. "I would with a heart and a half, but the master wouldn't spare a minute of my time; and even if he would. Miss Jennings wouldn't hear of it. She is very particular, miss, and works a man real hard." "Robina, come in this minute!" called a shrill voice at that moment, "and _don't_ stand talking with Jim. Jim; how _dare_ you idle your time! Have you cleaned out the hen's roost? and have you put down fresh straw for the laying hen? and what about the ducks, Jim? and _don't_ forget that you are to go to the village early in the morning to get some fresh corn for the young turkeys. Robina, come here this minute: don't dawdle: come quickly." "I was talking to Jim," said Robina, "about my pony." "Your what?" asked Miss Felicia. "My pony: you would not let me tell you at supper time: you snapped me up so short. I have got such a lovely pony as a prize!" "You dare to tell me such things!" "But, Aunt Felicia, it is true. I have got a pony. I haven't seen him yet, but I know he is _going_ to be a perfect darling, and there's a side-saddle coming too, and a habit made from my own measurements. My measurements were taken before I left school, so the habit will fit me perfectly, and will allow room for growing." "The pony may come," said Miss Felicia: "but if it comes, it goes. Do you suppose for a single moment--you silly, selfish, thoughtless child-- that your poor father, who has such expenses owing to your dear mother's sad condition of health, can afford to keep a pony for you? If anyone is fool enough to send the animal here it goes back again." "I am certain father won't send it away," said Robina, "for it will cost no one anything. Mr Durrant--_the_ Durrant--for I have told no lies, Aunt Felicia--is going to provide for all the expenses of my pony. He spoke to me about it; and there is to be a groom engaged to look after my darling; and when I go away in a fortnight's time to Sunshine Lodge, my pony comes with me, and father will never be one penny out of pocket as far as my pony is concerned." "Dear, dear! Tut, tut!" said Miss Felicia. "Go into the house, Robina. You are either telling the most shocking lies, or something too marvellous has happened. I am inclined to believe in your want of truth, Robina, and if this is proved to be the case, your punishment will be exceedingly heavy."