Mrs.Wade threw open the door herself with laughing welcome.
"Let us have half-an-hour's walk, shall we?
It's so dry and warm." "I should enjoy it," Lilian answered, readily.
"Then allow me two minutes for bonnet and cloak." She was scarcely longer.

They went by the hedge-side path which led towards Bale Water.

To-day the papers were full of exciting news.

Sir Stafford Northcote had brought forward his resolution for making short work of obstructive Members, and Radicalism stood undecided.

Mrs.Wade talked of these things in the liveliest strain, Lilian responding with a lighthearted freedom seldom possible to her.
"You skated here, didn't you ?" said her companion, as they drew near to the large pond.
"Yes; a day or two after we came.