Even in Donald's harness-room he was not secure from interruption, for little Patsy was frequently perched upon the bench there, watching with serious eyes old Donald's motions, and laughing joyously when in his embarrassment he overturned a can of oil or buckled the wrong straps together.
Worse than all, this trying creature would saddle Nora, the sorrel mare, and dash away through the lanes like a tom-boy, leaving him only old Sam to ride--for Donald would allow no one to use the coach horses.

Sam was tall and boney, and had an unpleasant gait, so that the boy felt he was thoroughly justified in hating the girl who so frequently interfered with his whims.
Louise was at first quite interested in Kenneth, and resolved to force him to talk and become more sociable.
She caught him in a little summer-house one morning, from whence, there being but one entrance, he could not escape, and at once entered into conversation.
"Ah, you are Kenneth Forbes, I suppose," she began, pleasantly.

"I am very glad to make your acquaintance.

I am Louise Merrick, Miss Merrick's niece, and have come to visit her." The boy shrank back as fur as possible, staring her full in the face, but made no reply.
"You needn't be afraid of me," continued Louise.

"I'm very fond of boys, and you must be nearly my own age." Still no reply.
"I suppose you don't know much of girls and are rather shy," she persisted.