"That I will shut up my house here for a year, and spend that time beneath his roof, so that he may make the acquaintance of you children. He suggests that you should have a governess to undertake your education, and that Eric should remain at boarding-school, and spend his holidays at the Moat House."
"Oh, mother, how delightful!" Celia exclaimed, excitedly.
"Is the Moat House where Sir Jasper lives?" Joy asked.
"Yes, my dear. It is situated in one of the most beautiful parts of Devonshire, about two miles from the market town of T—."
"Oh, mother, you will go, will you not?" Celia cried, imploringly.
"I cannot say yet, Celia. I must think the matter over. I cannot make up my mind hurriedly, for more may depend upon my decision than we can foresee. I must ask God to guide me, and show me how to act."
Mrs. Wallis's tone was so solemn that the little girls were silenced. They knew Sir Jasper Amery was a rich man, and thought how nice it would be to live in affluence, if only for a year. Celia, especially, was elated at the idea; and as she looked around the shabby sitting-room which, nevertheless, was very homely and comfortable, her lip curled scornfully, and a bright, expectant light flashed into her eyes. Surely her mother would not refuse Sir Jasper's request!
Meanwhile Mrs. Wallis was wrapt in somewhat uneasy thought. Had her uncle offered her and her family a permanent home beneath his roof, she would have at once gladly fallen in with the idea; but, she asked herself if she had any right to allow her children to live in luxury for a year, and then, perhaps, be thrown back upon her own resources once more. It was a strange proposal Sir Jasper had made; but his lawyer had desired her to consider it well before making her decision, hinting that it was her uncle's intention to provide for her children's future if the young people met with his approval.
"Tell us what the Moat House is like, mother," Joy said, coaxingly, at length.
"It's a house after your own heart, Joy," Mrs. Wallis replied, smiling, "an old building with thick stone walls covered in ivy, and low ceilinged rooms with mullioned windows. The moat which once surrounded the house had been drained and filled in, and is now cultivated. The neighbourhood all around is beautifully wooded, and as the house stands on a slight eminence, the views from it are remarkably fine. Uncle Jasper was always very proud of his home, and nothing used to delight him more than to hear it admired."