The farm-house, built of creamy stone, stood on
the opposite side of the river, some way above the bank, and the
mother and daughter agreed that it deserved to be sketched next
summer.
They had to pick their way down a lane that was almost a torrent, and
emerging at the foot of the bridge, they stood still in amazement,
for in the very centre was something vibrating rapidly, surrounded by
a perfect halo of gold and scarlet. It was like a gigantic humming-
bird moth at first, but it presently resolved itself into a little
girl, clad in something dark purple below, and above with a bright
scarlet cloaklet, which flew out and streamed back, beneath the
floating locks of glistening gold that glinted in the sun, as with a
hand on each rail of the bridge she swung herself backwards and
forwards with the most bewildering rapidity. Suddenly becoming aware
of the approach of strangers, she stood for one moment gazing in
astonishment, then fled so swiftly that she almost seemed to fly, and
vanished in the farm buildings!
They stood laughing and declaring that Babie would be convinced that
fairies came out on Sunday, then crossed the river and were beginning
to ascend the path when a volley of sounds broke on them, a shrill
yap giving the alarm, louder notes joining in, and the bass being
supplied by a formidable deep-mouthed bark, as out of the farmyard-
gate dashed little terrier, curly spaniel, slim greyhounds, surly
sheep-dog of the old tailless sort, and big and mighty Newfoundland,
and there they stood in a row, shouting forth defiance in all
gradations of note, so that, though frightened, Carey and Janet could
not help laughing, as the former said—-
"This comes of gadding about on Sunday.
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