If some day the young people get to like each other the prospect is a good one for the child; if not, there's no harm done.

At present there can be no objection to our yielding to Penfold's request and letting them ride about the country together.
Mabel is, as you say, little more than a child, and it is evident that the lad regards her rather in the light of a boy companion than as a girl.
"She is a bit of a tomboy, you know, Mary, and has very few girlish notions or ideas.

They evidently get on capitally together, and we need not trouble our heads about them but let things go their own way with a clear conscience." At the end of the time agreed upon Ralph returned home.
"And so, Ralph, you have found it better than you expected ?" his mother said to him at the conclusion of his first meal at home.
"Much better, mother.

Mr.Penfold is awfully kind, and lets one do just what one likes.

His sisters are hateful women, and if I had not been staying in the house I should certainly have played them some trick or other just to pay them out.