"Did she?" Mrs. Wallis looked pleased. "Ah, it's the rest from care and worry that's making the difference in my appearance," she continued; "our lines have fallen in pleasant places, my dear. I've been talking Uncle Jasper, and he tells me it is his desire we should remain with him altogether; he says we are his nearest relations, and therefore he will undertake to provide for our futures. Oh, Joy, the relief to my mind know that!" Overcome with mingled emotions, Mrs. Wallis burst into tears. Joy was startled, for she had never seen her mother weep since her father had died, even when she had been sore pressed and troubled. She kissed her tenderly, whilst she thought of the full meaning of her words, and that Celia would in all probability have her wish, and return to A— again.
"Then we shan't be poor any more," Joy said at length, very soberly. "Oh, mother, I am glad! But I was very happy at A—, though Celia was not."
"Ah, Celia!" A grieved expression crossed the mother's face for a moment. "She has not found the secret of happiness—poor Celia! She cannot understand that one may have great wealth, and yet be very, very poor."
"I think I know what you mean, mother," Joy replied thoughtfully, "in fact, I'm sure I do." Then she quoted softly: "When thou hast Christ thou art rich, and hast enough."
"True, little daughter. That is what I have endeavoured to teach all three of my children; but I fear I have failed to impress it upon Celia. Now, you and I are going to have an early cup of tea together, for Uncle Jasper is in the library, and does not wish to be disturbed."
It was about half-past five o'clock when Joy came downstairs in readiness for their drive. She was waiting for her mother in the hall when the library door opened, and Sir Jasper's voice—strangely harsh it sounded—bade her come to him, for he wanted her. The old man stood in the doorway, leaning heavily on his stick, and as Joy approached him, she was struck with dismay at the sight of his face, which wore an expression of almost vindictive rage. Trembling, she knew not why, except that his appearance frightened her, she allowed him to pull her into the room, and shut the door behind her.
"Uncle Jasper, what is it? Oh!" she cried, for the grip of his fingers hurt her tender flesh. "Have I done anything to annoy you? Are you angry with me?"
"Am I angry with you?" he questioned, giving her a shake. "You dare ask me that, you deceitful, wicked, little girl! Were it not for the sake of the others, I would send you away this very night, and you should never darken my doors again!"
"But, Uncle Jasper, what have I done?" Joy asked, in utter amazement.
"What have you done?" Sir Jasper suddenly dropped his hold of her and sank into a chair. "Oh, Joy, how could you do it?" he proceeded, his voice softening from anger to reproach. "What tempted you to take t? Give it back at once, and I will hush the affair up—no one shall know but your mother—it would not be right to keep it from her!"