Mr. Allonby shook his head.
'No, that won't work,' he said.
'Shall we be sented to school?' asked Bobby in a trembling voice.
'Now, listen! Your Uncle Mortimer and Aunt Isobel have said they will take care of you and True whilst I am away. Your Aunt wants you back in the old house, Bobby, and Miss Robsart is to go down there too, and go on teaching you till you've mastered your Latin declensions, and are ready for school.'
True clapped her hands delightedly, and a smile broke over Bobby's serious face.
'And will Miss Robsart's sick sister come too? She always said if she got into the country she could paint again.'
'I believe the idea is that she should go too. Your uncle has a cottage near that he is going to let them have. Margot will take charge of you still in the nursery, and I shall feel that you are being looked after well whilst I'm away. Do you think the plan will work?'
'Yes,' the children cried simultaneously; for Bobby had outgrown his dread of the silent house now, and the idea of going back there, and showing True all his old haunts filled him with delight.
'I wish,' said Bobby slowly, 'as we're all going there, that Curly could come too. Do you think, father dear, we could make a confab about him?'
'Go ahead, then. From your account he is quite a reformed character; but I don't see how he could form one of your party.'