“Alvar is very kind,” said Jack shyly.
“Would you not expect that Cheriton should be ‘kind’ to you? Then why not I, as well?” said Alvar.
“Such an arrangement,” said the judge, “would not be binding on Cheriton even in your place. I am rejoiced to see so good an understanding between you. Alvar has a great deal of business before him, and it would be a pity to make any changes at present. But as for you, Cheriton, is it wise to remain here so early in the year?”
“No,” said Alvar; “I think we should go to the south for a little.”
“I think the calls upon your time—” began the judge, but Cheriton interposed.
“I don’t think I am any the worse for the weather,” he said, “and I should not like to go away now. We shall all have a great deal to do.”
Sir John Hubbard spoke a few friendly words and offered any assistance or advice to Alvar in his power, and then took his leave, as did Mr Malcolm. Alvar and Jack, with the judge, accompanied them into the hall; and no sooner had the door of the study closed than Nettie, who had been a silent spectator of the scene, suddenly burst out,—“I don’t care! I will say it! It may be very kind of Alvar, but it is horrible, horrible to think he is master and may do what he pleases with us. I hate to stay here if he is to give us leave.”
“I told you, Nettie,” said Bob, with masculine prudence, “that no one ought to say those things.”
“Nor feel them, I hope,” said Cherry. “Nettie, my dear child, you must not make it worse for us all. We feel our great loss; but you know the future will not be easy for Alvar himself.”
“I know,” sobbed Nettie, with increasing vehemence, “that he will not be like—like papa. I can’t bear to think that the dear place all belongs to him, and the things, and the animals even, and the horses. He doesn’t love them, nor the place, and ice do!”