I never accomplished it, and only woke in the effort.
In sober daylight I indulged no hope that Mrs.Vandaleur would give me a carriage and pony for my very own, but I did hope that I should go out in hers if ever I went to stay with her.

Perhaps sometimes alone, driving myself, with only the rosy-cheeked Adolphe to open the gates and deliver me from any unexpected difficulties with the reins.

But I dreamed many a day-dream of the possible delights in store for me with my new-found relatives, and almost counted the hours on the Duchess's watch till she should send for me.
As it happened, however, circumstances combined for some little time to hinder me from visiting my great-grandmother.
The little Bullers and I had the measles; and when we were all convalescent, Major Buller got two months' leave, and we went away for change of air.

Then small-pox prevailed in Riflebury, and we were kept away, even after Major Buller returned to his duties.

When we did return, before a visit to the Vandaleurs could be arranged, Adolphe fell ill of scarlet fever, and the fear of contagion postponed my visit for some time.
I was eight years old when I went to stay at The Vine.