But Theodore did not answer. He stood gazing out of the window with wide-open, horror-stricken eyes; for there, in the lower meadow, was a volume of smoke ascending from the new hay-rick.
"It is on fire," Jack explained. "Isn't it a pity? Nearly every one is there, trying to put the fire out."
"Oh, dear! how did it happen?"
"I don't know. But are you feeling better, Theodore?"
"Oh, yes, yes! I'm all right. Where's Jane?"
"She's downstairs, getting tea ready; all the servants are gone to the lower meadow. Father is there, and I think mother is—"
"Mother is here;" and turning, the boys saw Mrs. Barton standing behind them.
"You must be ready for your tea, Theodore, for you had no dinner," she said. "Are you better?"
"Yes, thank you; but my head aches."
"Ah, yes. I hope you will not be tempted to smoke again; it certainly made you very bad," she said, with a smile that caused Theodore to blush. Then she added more seriously, "You must have known it was wrong to smoke, and whoever gave you tobacco was much to blame."