Page:Authors daughter v1.djvu/214

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
210
THE AUTHOR'S DAUGHTER

family. They recollected that George, though he had his faults, had the best temper of the three lads; and now that Mr. Copeland was getting past his best, an active son, who had learned wisdom from experience, would be invaluable at Millmount.

While the husband and wife were debating as to what answer should be given to the last urgent appeal, they had visitors—expected and welcome visitors—at Gundabook.

It was leisure time at Branxholm, and Allan had offered to take Isabel and Amy for a long ride and a fortnight's visit to George and Jessie, for Amy was now a good and fearless rider, and Isabel had ridden on every sort of animal and in any sort of fashion from the time she was six years old The very first money Allan Lindsay had that he could call his own he had devoted to the purchase of the handsomest side-saddle, riding-habit, and hat that could be got in South Australia as a present to Amy. She had accompanied Jessie and Mrs. Lindsay to Adelaide when they were buying Jessie's wedding clothes, and What to Mrs. Lindsay was of more consequence than the clothes, the providing, which it behoves every bride to take home with her to her husband's house. The worthy old lady had not been in Adelaide for ten