As they neared the end of their journey, Celia grew more and more nervous. Mingled with the intense joy with which she was looking forward to be with her mother and sister once more, was the dread with which she thought of meeting Sir Jasper. Seeing his confidence in her had been so entirely destroyed, how could she hope that he could ever look on her with anything but suspicion again? Celia knew that her aspirations and views of life had so completely changed during the past ten months that it would be impossible for her to act this year as she had done last; but would Sir Jasper understand this, would he realize that she was no longer the deceitful girl who had not scrupled even to appropriate what had not belonged to her, in order to gratify her vanity and love of show?
Perhaps Lulu guessed some of the thoughts that were crowding her friend's mind, for she glanced at her sympathetically every now and again; and found an opportunity of whispering to Eric, who was wondering why his sister was growing more and more silent as they neared their destination; "Celia is dreading the meeting with Sir Jasper. That's what's making her so silent. I wouldn't notice it, if I were you."
At last the long, hot journey was at an end, and the train slowed into T— railway station. The minute it stopped, Lulu was out of the compartment, and in her father's arms; and Celia and Eric following, found their mother close by, waiting to welcome them. Her face was full of happiness as she kissed them in turn; then Mr. Tillotson saw to their luggage, accompanied them to the waiting carriage, and with Lulu hanging to his arm, watched them drive off.
Mrs. Wallis and Eric did most of the talking on the way to the Moat House, for Celia, in spite of her reunion with her mother, was nervous and ill at ease. There was a mist before her eyes as the carriage drew up before the front door, and it was through blinding tears that she saw Sir Jasper with Joy at his side.
"Joy!" she cried, with a world of longing affection in her voice; and the next minute she and her sister were in each other's arms. Joy was no less moved than Celia, but she was far more composed outwardly.
"I say, Celia, let me have a word with Joy before she is drowned altogether," Eric said, pretending to speak aggrievedly; and then Celia withdrew herself from her sister's arms, and ventured a glance at Sir Jasper.
The old man regarded her searchingly, and held out his hand, which she took with evident timidity. He drew her towards him, and kissed her gravely, tenderly. "Welcome home, my dear," he said, in the kindest tones possible.
"Oh, Uncle Jasper, have you indeed forgiven me?" she cried, involuntarily.
"Yes, Celia," he replied, with ready understanding of all that was in her mind. "I forgave you at the time. I saw how sincere was your repentance. I never meant to shut the doors of my house against you altogether. I always intended you to come back. Do not let us speak of the past again. Now, go into the house with the others; Mrs. Mallock is waiting to speak to you, and Jane—"
"Jane!" echoed Celia, in surprise. "I did not know she was here?"