"I cannot understand it, Joy," Mrs. Wallis replied, greatly distressed herself; "it is as much a mystery to me as to you; but do have patience, my dear, and depend upon it Uncle Jasper will find out he has formed a very false estimate of your character. You have a clear conscience, and you know 'a good conscience is able to bear very much, and is very cheerful in adversities.' If you are accused wrongfully, remember there is One who knows the truth, therefore do not grieve. You have a cross to carry, it has come to you through no fault of your own, and it is a particularly heavy one for you to bear because it is an accusation of insincerity, and that is an evil trait which you do not possess. But take up this cross like a Christian, little daughter, don't let it sour your temper, or fill your mind with resentful thoughts."
"Oh, mother, how can I help being resentful against Uncle Jasper, who is so cruelly unjust? I did try to keep my temper at tea-time; but if you had seen the way he looked at me, you would have felt angry, too. Eric stood up for me, though, but I am afraid Uncle Jasper did not like his doing so."
"I hardly think Uncle Jasper would blame your brother for that. By the way, Eric is going to join the Crumleigh Cricket Club; he met Mr. Cole this evening, and it has all been arranged. I believe the members of the club play in one of Uncle Jasper's fields near the village; we shall be able to go and watch them. Eric is to coach them."
"Oh, is he?" Joy cried, her face brightening. "He will like that. I know the cricket field, it's close to the Vicarage, and I've often noticed Mr. Cole there playing with a lot of boys. Oh, it will be great fun to go and watch them!" Joy was delighted on her brother's account. She forgot her troubles in thinking of his pleasure, and went off in search of him, whilst Mrs. Wallis returned to the sitting-room to Celia, to whom she imparted the news concerning Eric.
"Eric is going to join the village cricket club!" Celia exclaimed. "Why, I thought the members were all common boys. I saw them playing in a field near the Vicarage the other day, and they were such a queer looking lot, with hobnail boots, and corduroy trousers, and—"
The girl paused suddenly, as she caught the look of displeasure on her mother's face. She flushed, and did not finish her sentence.
"The club is comprised of village lads, I believe," Mrs. Wallis said, quietly, "common boys as you term them, who work in the fields, wear coarse clothing, and speak a broad dialect. Are you afraid that your brother will copy them?"
"Oh, no, but—"
"You would ignore all those who are not well-to-do, or educated, I suppose? Oh, Celia, if you had your own way what a narrow life you would lead! I do not like to hear you talk of people as common; to my mind to do so is a sign of vulgarity. Don't do it again."
"I will not," Celia answered, in a subdued tone, "I spoke without thinking. I daresay it will be very nice for Eric to have a game of cricket now and then. Does Uncle Jasper know about it, mother? Does he wish Eric to join the club?"