"And she adores Spot-ear because he's so ugly," said Peterkins. The boys were exceedingly happy at being allowed to sit at breakfast one on each side of Maggie, who, when she did not speak to them--for she wanted to ingratiate herself with every one present, and not with them alone--contrived to pat their hands from time to time, and so keep them in a subdued state of exceeding good-humor. Soon after breakfast she flew up to her room, put on that strangely becoming brown hat, which would have suited no other girl but herself, and went off to the Manor. She was met at the gate by Merry, who was anxiously waiting for her appearance. "I am so sorry that Cicely isn't here too," said Merry; "but mother wanted Cicely to drive into Warwick with her this morning. We're going for a long motor-ride this afternoon. Don't you love motors?" "I have never been in one in my life," replied Maggie. "Oh dear!" said Merry; "then you shall come with us, although I know I can't ask you to-day, but perhaps to-morrow we could manage." "I must not be too much away from Molly and Isabel, for it would not be kind--would it, Miss Cardew?" "Do call me Merry. 'Miss Cardew' sounds so stiff, and you know I feel that I have known you all my life, for Molly and Isabel have always been talking about you. Mother was so pleased when she heard that you wanted to see the old house; and, do you know, Maggie----You don't mind my saying Maggie?" "Of course not, Merry--dear Merry." "Well--would you believe it?--father is going to show you the manuscript-room himself. I can tell you that is an honor." "I am so delighted!" said Maggie. "Your father is a most charming man." "Indeed, that he is," said Merry; "but I never saw him get on so well with a young girl before." "Oh," said Maggie in her modest way, "it was just that I wanted to listen to him; what he said was so very interesting." The girls were now walking up the avenue. "Please," said Merry suddenly, "tell me more about your school--I mean that new, wonderful school you are at in London." "Aylmer House?" said Maggie. "Yes, Aylmer House. Mother was talking about it this morning. She was quite interested in it." "Your mother was talking about it?" "Yes. It seems Mr. Tristram had been praising it to her like anything last night." "Well, he can't say too much in its favor," said Maggie. "Any girl who didn't get good from it ought to be ashamed of herself." "What is that you are saying, Miss Howland?" said the voice of Mr. Cardew at that moment. "Oh father! I never saw you," cried Merry. Mr. Cardew came up and shook hands with Maggie. "I was walking just behind you on the grass," he said, "and I heard your enthusiastic remarks with regard to the school that the young Tristrams are going to. I am heartily pleased; I take a great interest in the Tristrams." "Oh sir," said Maggie suddenly, "I only wish--oh! I hardly dare to say it--but I only do wish that your girls were coming too!"