The Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 1010, May 6, 1899

A breezy portrait of early‑twentieth‑century girlhood opens with two lively friends, Effie and Sheila, whose summer is suddenly brightened by the charismatic Cyril. He arrives with grand ideas—horseback rides, picnics in the park, and a playful “French leave” that promises a break from the strict expectations of home. The narrative captures the thrill of a young woman’s longing for independence, set against the genteel backdrop of country estates and fashionable society.

Through witty dialogue and vivid scenes of proposed riding lessons, the story explores how friendship and imagination can lift a spirit weighed down by illness and familial constraints. As Cyril sketches a future of picnics, fêtes, and even a hunt, the girls glimpse a world where they might shape their own destinies, hinting at the gentle rebellion that will guide their journey toward confidence and self‑discovery.