Cherry sent Jack to find Alvar, and told him to order some wine to be brought into the library, apologising to Mr Stanforth for not asking him to lunch, as their grandmother was unequal to seeing a stranger; and then, in Jack’s absence, he listened to Mr Stanforth’s ultimatum, and owned that it was a great relief not to have to startle his relations just now with what would seem an incongruous proposal; but praising Jack’s sense and consideration in their trouble, and speaking of him with a kind of tender pride, unlike the tone of one so nearly on the same level of age, and whose life also was but beginning. He said that he should come to London at Easter, but that in the meanwhile there was much to be done at home. English affairs were naturally puzzling to Alvar, and a great deal of the business concerned them all.
“You must remember that you ought to be still taking holiday,” said Mr Stanforth.
“Oh, yes. At least Alvar and Jack never let me forget it. But, indeed, I am quite well, and though I feel the cold, I don’t think it means to hurt me. It is better to have plenty to do.”
Cherry’s manner was not uncheerful, and though he looked pale and delicate, there was no longer the appearance of broken health and spirits which had marked him at their first acquaintance; but the quick, changeable brightness was gone also. He was like one carrying a load which took all his strength; but he carried it without staggering.
Alvar now came in with Jack, looking bright and cordial.
“My brother is teaching me how to be the Squire,” he said to Mr Stanforth, with a smile, as he put aside the papers to make room for the tray that had been ordered; “but I am not a good scholar.”
“You must go regularly to school, then,” said Mr Stanforth.
“Ah,” said Alvar; “I must know, it seems, about rents, and tenants, and freeholds—so many things. But there is something that we wish to ask of Mr Stanforth, is there not, Cherry?”
“Yes—we spoke of it.”
“It is that he will try to make a drawing of our father for us, for there is none that my brothers like.”