Lydia laughed. "Oh, but you're a funny man, Mister Jack! Well, I needn't worry. You're even worse about Miss Dorry than I am, bless her!--Hush, here they are!"
Off went Jack's hat, though he had to hold the two bridle-reins with one hand to accomplish it.
"Up-a-daisy!" he exclaimed, as Dorry, assisted by Donald, sprang lightly to her saddle. "It's a splendid day for a ride, Miss!"
"Yes, indeed," said Dorry, looking about her with bright, happy eyes, as she stroked her pony's neck.
Uncle George came out upon the piazza. By this time Don was on Yankee's back, dexterously making him appear as spirited as possible; whereat Dorry's steed began to prance also.
"Good-by, Uncle! Good-by, Jack and Liddy!" cried Dorry, waving her whip and looking back with a smiling face.
"Good-by!" shouted Don; and they cantered off--glad to be together, glad to breathe the bright, clear air, glad at the prospect of a good gallop over the hills.
Uncle George, Liddy, and Jack looked after them proudly, till the road turned and the sound of hoofs died in the distance. Jack was the first to speak.
"An' do you know, sir, I'm fancyin' of late they're growin' liker to one another."
"Ah?" said Mr. Reed, well pleased. "In what way?"
"Why, in feature, sir, an' manners, an' most ev'ry way."
"Why shouldn't they favor one another," remarked Lydia--"bein' twins? Yet, some way, I don't see it myself, sir, as plain as I might. Shall I serve dinner on the back porch, Mr. George?"
"Well, yes, Lydia, as I shall be alone. The birds and trees will be good company for me."
Meanwhile, the D's cantered on, happy as--I was going to say, as birds, but they were happier even than birds; they were happy as happy brothers and sisters.
For a while they galloped in silence, Don often going so far ahead that he had to wait for Dorry to catch up; then, when the road was specially pleasant and shady, they rode leisurely, side by side, laughing and chatting. The day was so fine, and they saw so much to interest them, and there were so many things to talk about, that the ten-mile ride to F---- was accomplished almost before they were aware of it.
Leaving the ponies in the yard of the pretty hotel, to be fed and cared for, they enjoyed a hearty luncheon, and then proceeded on foot to the Academy near by--Dorry deftly carrying the train of her riding-habit over her arm, and snapping her riding-whip softly as she tripped beside her companion. Fortunately, the path was well shaded, and the dust had been laid by showers of the night before.