MRS. Wallis and her children always breakfasted by themselves in the sitting-room in the east wing, for Sir Jasper did not, as a rule, rise till after ten o'clock. The meal was generally enlivened by the young folks' chatter; and on the morning subsequent to Eric's introduction to the members of the Crumleigh Cricket Club, there was so much discuss, and everyone was in such excellent spirits—Joy included—that the conversation never flagged.
"Celia and I are going to drive to T— this morning to do some shopping," Mrs. Wallis remarked, after Eric had informed them of few of the many plans he intended to carry out subsequent to Lawrence Puttenham's arrival. "Uncle Jasper gave orders last night for the carriage to be ready at ten o'clock. You would like to come with us, Joy?"
"I would rather stay at home with Eric, if you don't mind, mother," Joy responded "I don't much care for shopping, and I shall see all Celia's new clothes afterwards."
"What are you going to have, Celia?" Eric inquired.
"Uncle Jasper said mother was to buy me whatever I wanted," Celia answered, sedately. "Lulu told me there is to be a grand flower-show at T—, whilst I am staying with her, so I suppose I shall want a new frock for that," and she cast an anxious glance at her mother as she spoke.
"Yes," Mrs. Wallis agreed; "since you are going visiting, I should like you to look as nice as possible, though I do not want you to be so gaily dressed as Lulu Tillotson, who, poor girl, has no one to guide her taste. Joy need not accompany us if she would rather remain at home with Eric."
So Mrs. Wallis and Celia started on their shopping expedition alone. It was a very dusty drive to T— on that hot August morning, but Celia enjoyed it, for she always felt particularly important when she was being driven out in Sir Jasper's handsome carriage, drawn by the sleek, bay horses, which were so well known in the district. She sat perfectly upright by her mother's side, and no one looking at the pretty, neatly attired girl, would have guessed that her mind was so full of vanity as it actually was. She glanced neither to the right nor to the left, yet as the carriage passed through the main street of the town, she was conscious that many pedestrians turned their heads to stare at the fine equipage, and remark upon its occupants, and her heart beat with exultation. Then, when she followed her mother into the draper's shop, where their purchases were to be made, she was deeply gratified by the attention they commanded, and by the anxiety of the proprietor that their wants should be supplied to their satisfaction.
"I expect he thinks we're very rich," Celia reflected, proudly.
She was a little disappointed that her mother turned aside the coloured silks and muslins, and selected a soft, white material to be made into a frock to be worn at the flower show, but she was more satisfied when Mrs. Wallis bought her a couple of bright blouses, and was delighted when a white hat was purchased to go with the white frock. On the whole she did not disapprove of her mother's selections.
After they came out of the drapery establishment, they walked along the street for a short distance, and looked into some of the shop windows, presently pausing before a jeweller's.