"A very nicely-written, well-expressed letter," said Sir Jasper, as he returned the epistle to Mrs. Wallis. "She is evidently having a good time. Tillotson told me how pleased he was to see the friendship between his little girl and yours. I was confident he would do all he could to make Celia enjoy her visit. It is a pity Joy did not go with her sister."
"Joy did not wish to leave whilst her brother was at home; besides, Lulu and Celia are so wrapped up in each other, that I think Joy is best where she is. Hark! She is playing your favourite piece, now, Uncle Jasper."
He listened with pleasure as the strains of "The Last Rose of Summer" came through the open drawing-room window. Joy's rendering of the old tune was exquisitely tender and sympathetic, and Sir Jasper's face softened into a gentle, retrospective smile. Afterwards Mrs. Wallis told the little girl how pleased her uncle had been with her playing.
The cricket caps arrived in due course; and one Saturday afternoon the members of the Crumleigh Cricket Club all visited the Moat House, by Sir Jasper Amery's invitation, and were entertained to a substantial tea, at which, as had been arranged, the Vicar presided. The boys, who were somewhat shy at first, were soon put at their ease; and Eric and Lawrence Puttenham, seated one on either side of the long dining-table, kept up the conversation, and would not allow it to flag.
Sam Dart was the least talkative of the visitors, but he appeared to approve of the proceedings; and Eric rightly guessed that his unusual quietude was caused by a laudable desire that his unruly tongue should give no offence, and respected him for his silence.
The boys did full justice to the good things provided for them, and after the meal was over, they all repaired to the terrace outside the house, where Sir Jasper and Mrs. Wallis and Joy were awaiting them. Then the caps were duly presented by Sir Jasper, who made a gracious little speech to each recipient, and subsequently the Vicar thanked the master of the Moat House, in the name of the Crumleigh Cricket Club, for his kindly interest and generosity.
"It has given me much pleasure to entertain the members of the club," Sir Jasper replied, in return, as he looked around on the eager faces of the group surrounding him, "and I shall hope to see you all again another year."
"Three cheers for Sir Jasper Amery!" cried a voice at this instant; whereupon, the cheers were promptly given with great heartiness, and Sir Jasper's wrinkled countenance expressed his gratification.
"Did you notice which of the boys it was who called for three cheers for Uncle Jasper?" Eric asked Joy later on, when the visitors had left.
"No, I did not," was the reply; "did you?"