Wilfrid still loitered in the hall, a singular look of doubt on his face.

In a room above one of the twins was having a music lesson; a certain finger-exercise was being drummed with persistent endeavour at accuracy.
'How can she bear that morning after morning ?' the young man murmured to himself.
He took his straw hat and went round to the stables.

Oberon was being groomed.

Wilfrid patted the horse's sleek neck, and talked a little with the man.

At length he made up his mind to go and prepare for riding; Oberon would be ready for him in a few minutes.
In the porch Patty ran to meet him.
'Truant!' Wilfrid exclaimed.