'I improved my opportunities at Ewmouth five years ago, when unluckily Lance could not.'
'I should try again if I were to be much here,' said Lance; but the general voice dissuaded him; and at the same time Tripp knocked at the door—the summons to the Vicar and Squire to visit the ringers at their banquet.
'You had better go to bed, Cherry,' said Felix, as he rose; 'you look like a white rag.'
'Triumphs are tiring processes, to say nothing of making tea,' said Cherry; 'but I don't want to disturb Sibby just yet.'
'I'll put you to bed, if you like,' said Wilmet 'I want to send Emma down, and keep within hearing of the children.'
'Oh, that will be most delicious of all! So like old times!' And the two sisters went off, to be happy together, and coo a little delight in their Squire and his beautiful home, mingled with a domestic consultation how the bared drawing-room could be inexpensively rendered a pleasant family gathering place.
'A little chintz will do a great deal,' said Wilmet; 'we will see about it.'
Which assurance set Cherry's mind at rest on that score, for her belief in Wilmet's notable abilities was boundless. 'But what is the matter with Robina?' she added after a few minutes, recalling the events of the day. 'She is so silent, and has a distressed anxious look I never saw about her before. I wonder whether she regrets the not coming home for good.'
'I am not sure,' said Wilmet; 'I am inclined to think she is sorry to be away from Repworth Towers.'
'O Wilmet! impossible, unnatural!'