"I have not been outside my own grounds for eighteen months," announced Sir Jasper. "Besides, a cricket match has no attractions me," he added, an expression of gloom crossing his withered face.
It was at this point that Joy ventured to turn the conversation by a remark about Lawrence Puttenham's expected arrival at the Vicarage, whereupon Eric informed Sir Jasper of his friend's relationship to Mr. Cole.
"I have heard so much about Putty's godfather," he said, "that as soon as I discovered he and the Vicar were one, I felt though I'd known him for ever so long. Won't old Putty be astounded when he finds I'm here! What jolly times we shall have together! I may ask Putty to the Moat House sometimes, mayn't I, Uncle Jasper?"
"As often as you please. As Mr. Cole's son he would be welcome, and he will be doubly so as your friend."
Sir Jasper's tone was so gracious that Eric thanked him very earnestly, adding: "I know you'll like Putty, he's such a good sort of fellow. No nonsense about him—nothing put on—and as straight as a line!"
"I like people to be straight," Sir Jasper replied gravely, and as he spoke his eyes rested for a moment on Joy, who, meeting his glance, suddenly grew crimson and hung her head, imagining he was thinking that she was not straight.
All at the table noticed the little girl's painful confusion with comprehension and sympathy, except Sir Jasper, who regarded it as an additional proof of a guilty conscience, and turned his gaze away from her with a decided frown.
After that, the meal was concluded in comparative silence, and it was a relief to every one when it came to an end.