Once he approached Mrs. Barton, and in low tones asked her: "Do you think Jack is enjoying himself?"
"I am sure he is, Theodore; he never had such a treat in his life before. It makes me very happy to see him looking so well and bright."
"Yes. Everything is going off splendidly, isn't it? I was afraid Aunt Selina and Aunt Penelope might turn up, but I don't think they will now."
"What makes you think of them?"
"Oh! Aunt Penelope said this morning she would rather like to see the haymakers at work. I was careful not to tell her we were going to have tea here this afternoon!"
The foregoing conversation had taken place shortly before tea, therefore Mrs. Barton was not surprised when the meal was in full swing to see her husband's aunts entering the field. Theodore was filled with consternation at the sight of them, which he made no attempt to hide, for he exclaimed hastily:
"What a nuisance! They will spoil our fun!"
"Theodore!" his father said sternly, in accents of rebuke; but the boy scowled rebelliously.
"Do not let us disturb you, pray!" Miss Selina said, after she and her sister had shaken hands with the elder ones of the party, and nodded to the children. "We have been to the Hall, and learning where you all were, thought we would look in on you for a few minutes."
"And now you must have some tea," Mrs. Barton said. "Children, cannot you make two comfortable seats?"