There were two ponies in the stables of the Great House, which they were allowed to ride, and which, unless on occasions, nobody else did ride.

I think he might have given the ponies to the girls, but he thought differently.

And he contributed to their dresses, sending them home now and again things which he thought necessary, not in the pleasantest way in the world.

Money he never gave them, nor did he make them any promises.
But they were Dales, and he loved them; and with Christopher Dale to love once was to love always.

Bell was his chief favourite, sharing with his nephew Bernard the best warmth of his heart.