“Oh, that’s of course,” said Chrissie. “Fareham’s all ours now, don’t you see? Dads will have to give lots of orders and settle everything. I daresay Mummy is bothered about all she’ll have to do now, with two big houses—though I’m sure she needn’t mind; it’s easy to get plenty of servants.”
For the first time Nurse here ventured on a remark.
“Not so easy as you might think, my dear. Large possessions bring their burdens. Still there are worse troubles than riches, ’specially to those not used to small means.” She sighed, and, in unconscious sympathy, little Jasper murmured again, “Poor Mumsey.”
“You’re always so gloomy, Nurse,” said Chrissie pertly, and though it was far from true, Nurse said nothing in her own defence; she only glanced across the table, saying gently, “Master Roland, won’t you be late?”
The boy jumped up hastily, exclaiming—
“Where’s my book strap? I’m sure I brought it in here.”
“It’s fastened round your books, Roley. I did them,” said a small voice.
“Thank you, Japs; you’re not half a bad sort,” the elder brother returned, and Jasper glowed with pleasure.