Page:The Lark - E Nesbit, 1922.djvu/123

124 tables and teacups out of the house can have transferred themselves into the garden room?"

Men should not blush, but Mr. Rochester did it; he tried, however, to conceal the blush by instant speech.

"I did, uncle, of course. I knew you'd wish it. I felt certain you'd have done it yourself, or given orders about it, if you hadn't left in such a hurry. I hope you approve my choice," he added, taking up a tea-cup and putting it down again.

"So the miracle's explained," said old Mr. Rochester; "and the explanation's like that of all miracles, quite simple when you know it." "I knew it, of course," said Lucilla, "directly you said it wasn't you who put the things here."

"Oh, you did, did you?" said the old gentleman.

"Why, of course," said Jane; "but we couldn't give Mr. Rochester away, could we? We didn't know whether you would approve his choice," she added, looking up at the old gentleman under her eyelashes in a way which the young gentleman thought might have charmed the most savage breast. "But you do, don't you? You said you thought of it between Tours and Bordeaux, and wished you had."

"So I did. You were quite right, my boy. Thank you."

"And now we may thank you," said Lucilla., "It wouldn't have done for us to thank you until we were quite sure that your uncle approved, would it?" she turned on the uncle a glance half-timid, half arch.

"We do thank you—both of you, as much as ever you'll let us," said Jane. "I didn't think there were such kind people in the world—people who aren't your relations or anything, I mean. I think it's wonderful. And, dear Mr. Rochester, it was our fault that the paint was scraped off the panelling; we thought you'd like it, and Lucy and I tried to do it ourselves, and then Mr. Rochester—your nephew I mean—came and helped, and Mr. Simmons helped, and it really does seem as if everybody is ready to help us, and if you're not pleased I really don't know what we shall do.