Page:Leah Reed--Brenda's summer at Rockley.djvu/386

364 “Oh, no, mamma, there is really nothing else; of course, if we cannot, we cannot, and Arthur will be so  disappointed.”

“There is nothing to prevent Arthur’s going with Philip,” and Mrs. Barlow smiled at Brenda, while laying  her hand affectionately on her arm.

At this moment, Mr. Elston, who had been talking with Philip, looked up.

“Cousin Anna, would you approve of me as an escort for the girls?”

“Why, cousin Edward, the very thing!” and Brenda clapped her hands with delight.

“But I tought that you did not care for wheeling,” Mrs. Barlow looked hard at Mr. Elston, to see if he was  not planning an unnecessary sacrifice.

“I do not often have a chance to enjoy my wheel in the society of so many young persons. As the yachting season is nearly over, I need some excitement.”

“We ’ll give you all you wish,” said Brenda.

“I trust that your charges will not give you too much care,” responded Mrs. Barlow; “but I can assure you  that, so far as I am concerned, I have always found them  reasonable.”

“Yes, if you are reasonable, and that means agreeing to everything that we wish, Mr. Elston,” said Arthur,  “we’ll promise to be fairly obedient.”

Mrs. Redmond took no part in this conversation. But later, when she was alone with Mrs. Barlow, she said,  rather seriously, “I fear that Amy cannot go to the Fair.