"What, come to say good-bye!" Sir Jasper exclaimed. "I am sorry for that. I hope we part to meet again," he added with great cordiality, for Putty stood high in his estimation.
"I hope so," was the smiling response; "and I want to thank you, Sir Jasper, for all the kindness and hospitality you've shown me."
"Before you came, I remember saying you would be welcome here as Mr. Cole's godson, and doubly welcome as Eric's friend; now I can say you will always be welcome for your own sake."
Putty flushed with pleasure on hearing this; and Eric flashed a smiling glance at Celia, who, however, did not smile in return, being occupied with thoughts of her own. She looked rather depressed and unhappy, her brother fancied.
After Putty was gone, the others went into the house to supper, and an hour later Celia and Eric said good-night to Sir Jasper, and retired to their own quarters in the east wing.
"Oh, dear! I've spent such a long, dull evening," Celia complained. "Uncle Jasper kept me reading the newspaper to him for nearly an hour. I was really thankful when I could see to read no longer."
"Poor girl!" laughed Eric.
"Poor girl, indeed!" sighed Celia. "You boys get by far the best of it. Oh, what a miserable time I've had whilst Joy's been ill! First the anxiety and trouble about her; and then having only Uncle Jasper for a companion, whilst you and Putty have been enjoying yourselves here, there, and everywhere."
"Well, that's been your own fault," Eric told her, truthfully; "whilst you were staying with the Tillotsons at T—, Joy used to have a very good time with Putty and me, but you always refused to join us in everything. Why, it was only yesterday I asked you to go on a nutting expedition with us to Brimley copse, and you turned up your nose at the idea."
"Because Brimley copse is two miles from here; and what fun is there in climbing hedges after nuts, and scratching yourself in brambles and—"