“My tricks, Sir?” demanded Jack with an air of innocent astonishment.
“I know thee, lad!” said Sir Thomas shortly, but good humouredly.
Jack proceeded to make short work of the pie, but kept his eyes on Clare.
“Now, little maids,” said Rachel, when they rose from the table, “I will hear, you your tasks in an hour hence. Till the clock strike, ye may go into the garden.”
“May we have some cakes with us, Aunt Rachel?” inquired Jack demurely.
“Cake!” echoed Blanche, clapping her little fat hands.
“Thou!” said Rachel. “Art thou a maid? I have nought to do with thy tasks. Be they ready for Master Tremayne?”
Jack turned up the whites of his eyes, and turned down the corners of his mouth, in a style which exhibited a very emphatic No.
“Go and study them, then, this minute,” said his Aunt.
The party separated, Jack putting on a look which was the embodiment of despair; but Sir Thomas, calling Margaret back, put into her hands the plate of small cakes; bidding her take them to the garden and divide them among the children.