Tea was spread this evening in the schoolroom at the back, which was as fresh and cool as the dining room was close and hot.
"What a good thought," said Mrs. Arundel with a sigh of relief as she took her seat at the tea-tray.
"Yes; that was Arthur," said Nellie. "He was saying, when we came down just now to put something away, how cool it would be, and so I told Simmons to bring it here. I thought you would not mind, mamma, even if you did not think it necessary."
"No, indeed, dear; and it is very pleasant."
The young people were too considerate to ask their tired mother any questions, though they were burning with curiosity as to the proposed trip, and as to how the change in their parents' plans had been brought about.
They had not, however, very long to wait; for after the first cup of tea had been swallowed, Mrs. Arundel began of her own accord.
"I have not told you, dears, a piece of the news which is quite a trial to me. We are to go; but your papa is afraid he will not be able to come at all this summer, or only for a few days at most."
"Oh, mamma!" they all exclaimed dolefully; and Mrs. Arundel did not speak for a minute. "Well," she said, trying to brighten up, "it is quite a trial, but we must all do the best we can. Perhaps, after all, papa may find he can get away, and it will be a great pleasure for you all to have such a nice change; and for dear little Tom."
"I am sorry," said Arthur; "for papa has been looking forward to it; and we were to have had some jolly boating too."
"It will be a disappointment to us all, my dear; but it does not seem as if it were possible just now; and papa will not have us wait, because of the heat."