[CHAPTER XVI.]
SIR JASPER'S GENEROSITY.
ALTHOUGH Eric now had his great chum within only half-a-mile of the Moat House, he did not, on that account, neglect his favourite sister, and managed so that she should be included in many of his pleasures. He persuaded Mrs. Wallis and Joy to visit the cricket field and watch the boys at play of an evening, and on more than one occasion Miss Pring and her niece accompanied them.
Sir Jasper took a great deal of interest in the Crumleigh Cricket Club, and when the Vicar called at the Moat House one afternoon, about a week after Celia had gone to T—, he considerably surprised him by suggesting that the members of the club should be presented with caps.
"They would be very proud of them, I have no doubt," Mr. Cole replied, "but I don't know—"
He paused, for he had been about to say he did not know who was going to provide the caps. The conversation was taking place in the drawing-room, where several visitors were assembled, including Miss Pring, her niece, and Lawrence Puttenham.
"But you don't know who is going to give the caps, I suppose you were going to remark?" proceeded Sir Jasper. "Well, I will. You must decide upon the colours. What do you think of dark blue caps embroidered with C.C.C., for Crumleigh Cricket Club, in gold letters, in front?"
"The very thing!" Eric cried, excitedly, breaking in upon the conversation. He and Lawrence Puttenham had been listening with great interest. "Uncle Jasper, I never knew anyone like you! You're a regular brick! A downright good sort! Isn't he, Putty?"
"Sir Jasper is very kind," Putty answered in his usual sober fashion.
"Kind! I should think so!" the Vicar exclaimed. He was deeply gratified by this sign that the old man took an interest in his work in the parish, and the success of the Crumleigh Cricket Club was what he greatly desired.