"The knowledge that she was reading a book of which those about her would disapprove, I imagine." The Vicar forthwith told Mrs. Wallis how he had seen Celia with Lulu Tillotson in the stationer's shop at T— and how they had been employed. "Miss Pring has taken her back to Home Vale for the present, for, as you can easily imagine, Sir Jasper is greatly incensed against her," he said, in conclusion.
Mrs. Wallis was looking very pale, and immeasurably shocked. She was not surprised to hear of her uncle's anger. How sadly he had been repaid for his kindness to her and her family.
"Does Joy know about the fire?" the Vicar inquired.
"Yes, she heard the fire engine pass in the night, but she knows no details, and I shall keep her in ignorance of them until I have seen Uncle Jasper. If our rooms at the Moat House are destroyed, we must alter our plans. Mr. Cole, I think I shall take the children back to A—."
He appeared surprised, but, after a moment's thought, he responded: "You must talk the matter over with Sir Jasper. Although you have arranged to leave here on Monday, that is no reason why you should go. You and your little girl are very welcome guests."
"You are most kind," Mrs. Wallis replied, gratefully, "but we have trespassed on your hospitality so long already. I shall never be able to thank you for all your goodness to us. I must go to the Moat House after breakfast, and consult Uncle Jasper."
Poor Mrs. Wallis was unutterably grieved at all she had heard. She felt ashamed and humiliated on Celia's account, and shuddered as she reflected how nearly the little girl had lost her life. Ah, how great cause had she for gratitude to God for His merciful care of her erring child! She decided to stop at Home Vale on her way to the Moat House, and hear what Celia had to say concerning the events of the night. Meanwhile, she left her breakfast untasted, for she was thoroughly unnerved, and intensely unhappy. She wondered if Celia had acquired the habit of reading in her bedroom whilst she had been staying with Lulu Tillotson; and then suddenly she remembered the paper-covered novel which Wag had destroyed in the rock garden, and the suspicion crossed her mind for the first time that it might have belonged to her elder daughter. If so, Celia must have allowed her sister to be blamed in her stead.
Mrs. Wallis felt she must have a full explanation of everything from Celia now, and if possible, learn the actual state of affairs. It had appeared to her lately that she had found a safe haven of refuge from many a trouble and care; but as she reflected on events of the night, she much doubted there would be a home for her and her family at the Moat House any longer.