She had her own pony, and went out to ride as often as, and at any hour she pleased.

Half-a-dozen dogs and as many cats belonged to her, and they all loved her.

Almost her entire time was spent out of doors, for Mrs.Rushton was too great an invalid now to care for much of her company.

Grant was almost always in attendance on her mistress, and so had very little opportunity for interference with Hetty.

Polly was easily kept in order, and the housekeeper always took the child's part if any of the other servants annoyed or neglected her.
This wild uncontrolled life, spent chiefly in the open air, wandering through the woods, running races with the dogs, or galloping up hill and down hill with them all flying after the pony's heels, suited Hetty exactly.