But up at the Hall there were heavy hearts; for Lady Eleanor had
spoken, not for the first time, to Colonel George about sending Dick to
school, and he had answered that it was high time for him to go, as it
was a bad thing for boys to stay too long at home with their mothers;
and he said that he himself had been sent to school at six, whereas
Dick was already nine. He added that by chance he had heard of a good
school while passing through London, and would arrange matters for her
if she wished it. It was rather strange, by the way, that Colonel
George always happened by chance to know everything that could save
Lady Eleanor trouble. So with a sigh Lady Eleanor had assented that
Dick should go; and it had been settled that he should leave in a few
weeks. Dick was rather triumphant, Elsie rather jealous, the Corporal
in secret rather sad, and Lady Eleanor very melancholy.
So one day early in September Lady Eleanor promised the children that
for an unusual treat they should have a ride with the Corporal rather
further than usual on to the moor. She would not ride herself, for her
favourite horse was lame, but settled that she would drive them some
way up the valley in the afternoon, and there meet the Corporal, who
would go on before them leading the ponies, and ride with them on to
the moor. Accordingly on the appointed day the Corporal rode through
the village on old Billy, leading a pony on each side.
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