CHAPTER XV.
In less than a week Lilian was convalescent; in less than a fortnight she regained her usual health,--nay, Mrs.Ashleigh declared that she had never known her daughter appear so cheerful and look so well.

I had established a familiar intimacy at Abbots' House; most of my evenings were spent there.

As horse exercise formed an important part of my advice, Mrs.Ashleigh had purchased a pretty and quiet horse for her daughter; and, except the weather was very unfavourable, Lilian now rode daily with Colonel Poyntz, who was a notable equestrian, and often accompanied by Miss Jane Poyntz, and other young ladies of the Hill.
I was generally relieved from my duties in time to join her as she returned homewards.

Thus we made innocent appointments, openly, frankly, in her mother's presence, she telling me beforehand in what direction excursions had been planned with Colonel Poyntz, and I promising to fall in with the party--if my avocations would permit.

At my suggestion, Mrs.Ashleigh now opened her house almost every evening to some of the neighbouring families; Lilian was thus habituated to the intercourse of young persons of her own age.