"Yes, dark blue caps with gold letters would be most suitable," he agreed.
"I will order the caps by to-night's post," Sir Jasper said decisively, "that is quite settled. And I'll tell you what I think you had better do, Mr. Cole—bring the boys here to tea one evening, and my niece shall present the caps to them. What do you say to that plan, Margaret?" he questioned, turning to Mrs. Wallis.
"I think it's a capital idea of yours, having them here to tea," she answered, "and I am sure they would all enjoy it; but I consider you ought to give them the caps yourself, Uncle Jasper."
"Yes, yes!" everyone insisted.
"Well, well, I'll think about it," Sir Jasper said, good-humouredly. "I'll let you know as soon as the caps arrive," he told the Vicar, "and then you can settle when will be the most suitable day for the tea. I expect it will have to be a Saturday, eh?"
"Yes, Saturday for preference," Mr. Cole replied, "for most of the boys leave work early on that day."
"Very well. They shall have a substantial meat tea, and—"
"And you'll preside, won't you, Uncle Jasper?" Eric broke in eagerly.
"No, my boy. The Vicar shall take the top of the table, for the boys will feel at home with him and they would not with me. I want them to have a thoroughly enjoyable time. The meal shall be prepared for them in the dining-room, and after they have partaken of it, they shall have their caps. Yes, perhaps I may present them myself."
"Isn't it jolly of him?" Eric exclaimed, as he and Lawrence Puttenham wandered out into the garden a short while later. "He's really very good-hearted. Did I tell you he gave me a sovereign the other day? He was equally generous to the girls. What a lark it will be having the boys here to tea! Uncle Jasper's sure to provide a splendid feed for them. He's a kind old chap really, isn't he? I wish he wasn't so down on poor Joy, though."