And as she put her arm round Evan and supported him to a seat, she realized as never before what a care the care of them had been, and what a relief it was to know it was over.
What a busy morning they had. How Evan even tried to help by cutting the frill for the ham and running the tape through some fresh window-curtains. Lucia noticed that in his eager expectation, some of the fragile look went out of his face, and a sweet, gentle brightness took its place.
At last all was done. Everything was looked over for the last time, and the children decided that nothing was wanting for the perfection of a welcome.
"We will go into the dining room and listen for the wheels," said Ivor. "Evan is there, and we'll be with him."
But the younger girls preferred to go round the house once more with nurse. Barbara was glad to be left alone with Lucia; so Ivor found himself alone with his brother.
"Evan!" he began eagerly. "Do you think father and mother will want to know what we spent it on?"
"Yes," said Evan gravely; "and I mean to tell them directly I have a chance. I shan't burst out with it, but no more underhand doings for me!"
"Oh, no—I didn't mean that—!"
"Ivor, if we belong to the Lord Jesus we have to leave behind all that is wrong."
Ivor nodded earnestly. "I mean to—indeed I do, Evan. I have begun."