This path led through the stable-yard, and then by a short cut right into Hamley, and brought you out close to Mr.Wilkins's office; it was by this way he always went and returned to his business.

He used the study for a smoking and lounging room principally, although he always spoke of it as a convenient place for holding confidential communications with such of his clients as did not like discussing their business within the possible hearing of all the clerks in his office.

By the outer door he could also pass to the stables, and see that proper care was taken at all times of his favourite and valuable horses.

Into this study Ellinor would follow him of a morning, helping him on with his great-coat, mending his gloves, talking an infinite deal of merry fond nothing; and then, clinging to his arm, she would accompany him in his visits to the stables, going up to the shyest horses, and petting them, and patting them, and feeding them with bread all the time that her father held converse with Dixon.

When he was finally gone--and sometimes it was a long time first--she returned to the schoolroom to Miss Monro, and tried to set herself hard at work on her lessons.