Mrs. Wallis agreed with her son, though she did not say so. Arrived at the Moat House they ascertained that Sir Jasper was perfectly willing for Eric to join the Crumleigh Cricket Club, and it was there and then arranged that the boy was to take tea at the Vicarage on the following afternoon, and in the evening was to make the acquaintance of the village cricketers.
Mrs. Wallis, as soon as Mr. Cole had taken his departure, and she had answered the questions Sir Jasper had put to her concerning the inmates of Home Vale, hurried upstairs to the east wing in search of her daughters. She found them in the sitting-room. Joy, with her elbows on the table and her head between her hands, was apparently deeply engrossed with a book whilst Celia was engaged in rearranging the trimming on a hat. To look at the two quiet figures no one would have imagined that there had been a stormy scene between them. Such had been the case, however for Joy had spoken hard, bitter words to her sister, which Celia had listened to silently though with many tears.
Joy did not raise her head as her mother entered the room, but Celia looked up from her work, and smiled a welcome, saying in her usual level tones, for she had quite recovered her equanimity: "We were so glad to know you were safe indoors during that dreadful storm, mother. How are Miss Pring and Miss Mary?"
"Very well," Mrs. Wallis answered "Joy, come with me to my room. I want you for a few minutes."
"Yes, mother," was the response in a subdued voice, as Joy closed her book, and rising, followed Mrs. Wallis into the adjoining apartment.
"Shut the door, my dear."
Joy did so, and waited for what was to follow. Mrs. Wallis took off her bonnet and cloak, and put them away; then she turned to her little daughter, and, laying her hands lightly upon her shoulders, examined her downcast countenance with anxious, loving eyes. Joy had not been crying, but she looked very sad, though her mouth was set in hard, defiant lines.
"Eric has been telling me all that took place at tea-time," Mrs. Wallis said, gravely. "I am so sorry for you, my dear. It must have been very hard to have been unable to right yourself."
Joy's big, grey eyes flashed, and for a moment she was undecided whether or not she should tell her mother of Celia's cowardly silence; but even now she felt she could not justify herself at her sister's expense.
"Uncle Jasper is a cruel, wicked, old man!" she cried, passionately. "I wish we had never come to the Moat House, that I do! We were happier at home!" —and bursting into tears, she flung her arms around her mother's neck, and sobbed out all her grief. "Why should Uncle Jasper treat me like this?" she demanded, when she was more composed; "why should he not believe my word?"