It was little old Miss Trent who spoke. She had come quietly into the room, and had overheard her niece's speech.
"Well, isn't it true, Aunt Prissy?"
Miss Trent smiled and shook her head.
"I sometimes thank God that he is your brother only and not a husband."
"A husband! Horrors! Fancy living with a husband like Vincent!"
Then Miss Trent held out her hand to Noel, and drew him gently to her.
"I have an old-fashioned box of Chinese puzzles in my work-table over there: would you like to play with them? Tea will be coming in directly."
Noel was delighted with the little ivory box that was shown him. He sat on the window-seat, and was perfectly happy with it whilst the maid laid the table for tea. Then suddenly glancing out of the window he saw a man beginning to mow the lawn in front of the house. And when he saw him he sprang to his feet.
"There's God's man!" he exclaimed.
Constance Trent looked out of the window and smiled.