The grounds were very pretty, and only separated by a light wire fence from a large paddock, which, having been fed off by sheep, was as smooth as a lawn; and here, for the hour before dinner, the children were marched, and sang at intervals, the band taking its turn, playing popular airs.
Miss
Lambent and Miss Beatrice had noticed the new schoolmistress with a couple of chilly bows, and then devoted themselves to the assistance of dear Miss Burge; while the giver of the feast was busy in conference with Mr Chute about certain sports that were afterwards to take place.
I dont see the Canninges carriage yet Beatrice, said Miss Lambent, in a whisper to her sister, as the ladies were strolling about the grounds and admiring the flower-beds, the conservatory, and grape-houses in turn.
Do you think they will come? whispered Beatrice, who looked rather flushed; but certainly the day was hot.
She said they would. Dear me, how strange of Henry!
The vicar had gone into the paddock, and, after raising his hat politely, was standing talking to Hazel at intervals between saying a few words to the boys and girls words, by the way, which they did not wish to hear, for every eye was turned as if by a magnet towards the great tent, and the man and maidservants and assistants constantly going to and fro.
Here they are at last, exclaimed Miss Lambent. I told you so. Now, Beatrice, what do you say?
Nothing, replied her sister quietly.
Then I say something. George Canninge wouldnt have come here to a childrens school feast unless he had expected to meet some one particular.
The object of their conversation had just helped a tall, handsome lady, with perfectly white hair, to descend from a phaeton drawn by a splendid pair of bays. He was a broad-shouldered, sparely-made man of about thirty, with dark, closely-cut whiskers beards were an abomination then and keen grey eyes, which took in the whole scene at a glance, and, what was more, to find satisfaction as he took off and replaced his grey felt hat, and then, from habit, took out a white handkerchief and dusted his glossy boots.
How absurd, mother! Thought Id been walking, he said. Bravo, Burge! Hes doing it well. Hang it mother! I like that fellow.
Its a pity, dear, that he is so vulgar.
Oh, I dont know. Hes frank and honesty and dont pretend to be anything more that what he is a successful tradesman. Never saw a man less of a snob. Oh, there are the Lambents. I say, whos the lady talking to the parson?
I dont know, my dear, said Mrs Canninge, unless it is the new schoolmistress.
Nonsense: cant be. Oh, heres Burge! How are you, Burge? Glad youve got such a fine day for your treat.
So am I, Mr Canninge, so am I. Thank you for coming, sir. Thank you for coming too, maam. My sister is up by the house, and theres lunch in the dining-room, and youll excuse me, wont you! I have such heaps to do.
Excuse you, of course. And I say, Burge, your going to give the youngsters some fun, I hope?
Fun, sir? I mean to let them have a jolly good lark.
Dont let Lambent get them together and preach at the poor little beggars.
Mr William Forth Burges face expanded, and he showed all his white teeth.
Thats what I like sir. Thats the genuine old English squire said that.
Nonsense, Burge.
Oh, but it is, Mr Canninge. I know whats what as well as most men; and, look here, sir, I mean them to thoroughly enjoy themselves to-day.
Thats right, and Ill help you.
You will, sir? cried the giver of the feast.
To be sure I will; get up some races and that sort of thing.
Ive got it all down on a piece of paper here, sir; only you wait. Now, I must go.
He is really very vulgar, George, said the lady; but there is a bluffness about him that I do like after all. But hadnt we better go and speak to Miss Burge?
Come along then. Oh, there are the Lambents with her now.
The Canninges went up to little Miss Burge, the lady saluting her graciously, and the young squire very heartily; and then salutations were being exchanged with the Misses Lambent, Beatrice looking bright and handsome as George Canninge shook hands in a frank gentlemanly way, as a deafening clamour arose behind them, and, turning, there was the host wielding a great dinner-bell with all his might.
As he ceased, the children cheered, the band struck up, and the little processions were marched past the company on the terrace, the boys to one end of the marquee, the girls to the other, Hazel now at the head of her troop, looking bright and animated, excited slightly by the scene, and being admired more than she knew by those whom she passed.
As she came abreast of the group, she involuntarily raised her eyes, and they encountered a grave, earnest gaze from one whom she had never before seen; and in that brief moment she was aware that she was the object of a very scrutinising examination.
The next minute she had passed
between the folds of the tent door, and was busy getting her girls seated at the long table on one side, the boys occupying a second long table on the other side, both being covered with well-cooked hot joints, steaming potatoes, and, dear to all childrens hearts, plenty of pies and puddings.