human
Shall I send you in the carriage?
gpt
Oh, no, thank you, sister dear; the short walk will be good for me, returned Grace gaily,
human
Yes, of course I will, said Ned.
gpt
He needs to be taken home, anyway.
human
I think a young gentleman might feel ashamed to ride while his lady sisters must go afoot.
gpt
You do! exclaimed Ned, drawing back with a look of mingled surprise and chagrin.
human
Well, they said they wanted to walk--preferred it to riding; and--and besides they couldn't both ride on your back at once.
gpt
Two do ride the same horse at once sometimes,
human
Who is making you talk, I wonder? cried Ned, turning to look about him.
gpt
Oh, Brother Max, it was you, wasn't it?
human
What was?
gpt
The person making the pony talk. I almost thought for a minute it really was the pony; though, of course, ponies can't talk. And I didn't mean to be selfish. Gracie won't you ride him home? Elsie and I can walk just as well as not.
human
Yes, of course we can; it's a very short and very pleasant walk, returned Elsie, with prompt cheerfulness.
gpt
So Gracie dear, you ride the pony.
human
Thank you both, said Grace,
gpt
There, you silly little pony, see what a mistake you made!
human
Well, little master, didn't you make a mistake, too?
gpt
Oh, Brother Max, I know it's you, so only good fun, laughed Ned.
human
Good-bye all. I'll get home first and tell papa and mamma you are coming, Gracie and Elsie.
gpt
Doesn't he ride well? exclaimed Grace, in a tone that spoke much sisterly pride and affection. The others gave a hearty assent, Max adding,
human
He is a dear little, bright little chap. I am decidedly proud of my only brother.
gpt
As I am of my little one; but still more so of my older one, said Lucilla.
human
But I must go back to my remaining guests. Good-bye, my two dear sisters. I shall expect and hope to see you both over here every day.
gpt
It is very likely you will see us here at least that often, laughed Grace,
human
We'll get it, too, cried Elsie;
gpt
Lu could never stay away a whole day from papa.
human
It would certainly take very strong compulsion to make me do so, said Lucilla.
gpt
Good-bye again. I hope to see you both in my old home a few hours hence, and here some time to-morrow.
human
It will soon be time to send the carriage for Chester, said Max, accompanying her,
gpt
Suppose I give the order now.
human
Yes, do, she replied,
gpt
I'd like to have him here as soon as possible; and if he should not be quite ready, Jack and the carriage can be kept waiting.
human
Certainly. I'll go and give the order, then rejoin you and our guests in the drawing-room.