Mrs. Arundel said she should begin by helping the "nursery table," and sent a goodly supply by Arthur, who was head waiter. After that they all fell to, and did ample justice to all that Walter and Mrs. Arundel had prepared.
"There is no water left, Nellie," said Netta. "What shall we do? I am so thirsty."
"I know where we can get some more," said Ada. "I saw a little cottage down the other side, and there was a board up, 'Water or tea to be obtained here.'"
"Capital!" said Walter. "Where are the empty bottles?"
"We will fetch it, won't we, Arthur?" said Ada, jumping up.
"All right," said Arthur, taking a last bite of a nice tart. "And look here, mother, I don't think I have quite finished. Don't you clear it all away!" And with a laugh, he and Ada scampered off.
"Supposing we sing to pass away the time," suggested Walter.
"Mamma can sing," said Isabel, "and so can Nellie."
"Well, perhaps they will sing a duet first."
They willingly complied; and the sweet sound filled the old ruin, and seemed to float away on the wind. Walter lay with closed eyes; and when they had finished, no one spoke for a moment.