So Peter stayed while the tractor disappeared four times over the hill and Uncle Micah changed to a hymn about Jordan. Then he dismounted, put a gnarled hand on her shoulder and led her along the path by the hedge. "You must try not to be lonely here, my child."

And this, of course, was her opportunity, and without really trying to choose her words Peter told him how thrilled and happy she was to be at Seven Gates (a slight exaggeration which seemed justified) and of how she was hoping to show the place to some of her friends from Onnybrook.

"I've been talking to Aunt Carol about it, Uncle, and we thought that if you didn't mind we would ask them over for a day or two..."

Then she stole a glance at his face and was shaken by the expression she saw there, but it was too late to stop now.

"Of course, we know there's no room in the house, and it wouldn't be fair to Auntie either. My friends are used to camping and would bring their own food, and we wondered, Uncle, if you'd mind very much if we camped out in... in... in one of your old barns..."

There was an awful silence. Then he muttered, "Nobody comes to Seven White Gates. They go. They do not come. It is accursed."

Peter laughed nervously. "I see------ But what a pity, Uncle! I don't think my friends would mind the curse, though. After all, I've come, haven't I, and p'raps I've altered it all."

He looked strangely at her, frowned and then said, "Ask your Aunt," and strode moodily back to the tractor. Peter had no idea whether she had got permission or not, and the battle was not finally won until dinner-time, after Uncle Micah had three times forbidden the opening up of the barn.

Aunt Carol won him over eventually when she went out with him into the yard after asking Peter to clear the table.

"I'm afraid we've hurt him rather," she said when she came back. "He says he'll have nothing to do with it or the consequences if we open up the barn, but we'll do it, Peter, and ask your friends. He won't mind when he sees you happy and the others here... Now I'll write to Mrs. Morton and you can go down to the post office with the letter right away."