"
"I only thought you'd get it so dusty. Is it your best or the old
one?"
He did not answer, because just then Norah and Billy came rushing down
the garden path.
It proved an altogether delightful excursion. There was so little in
it really, and yet long years afterward Mavis sometimes thought of it
as perhaps the happiest day of her life. They drove through Rodchurch,
past the post office, the church, and other interesting sights; then
along the broader road beneath big trees, to the railway station.
Billy sat between his parents, and did not behave too well, wriggling,
contorting himself, threatening to jump out, and even grabbing for
the reins.
"It's his excitement," said Norah.
"Yes, it's his excitement," said Mavis; and she and Norah talked
reassuringly, as if to each other, but really at Dale. "He'll be all
right, Norah, when he has had his run about."
"Yes," sad Norah sagely, "children are like that. They must let off
steam. As soon as they're tired they remember their manners and behave
nicely."
At the Station Inn Dale put up the horse and trap, and the journey was
pursued by rail.
The brightness and gaiety of Rodhaven charmed them all. They seemed to
get out of the train into another climate, another world.
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