‘I suppose it is, Aunt Matty. Anyhow it is nice of you to feel it,’ said Justine, ‘but there doesn’t really seem to be much need. I am with the boys there. We have our home and our happiness and each other, and the simple tastes and pleasures which are the most satisfying. We do not ask or need anything more. I am quite sorry for Uncle that it is so, because he would like nothing better than to pour out his all upon us. But our simple lot suffices us, and there it is.’
‘They are all so self-reliant,’ said Blanche, with mingled apology and pride. ‘They have been brought up to be independent of things outside themselves.’
Matty gave her glance about the room, this time with an open smile.
‘Yes, I see what you are thinking,’ said her niece at once. ‘We have been brought up in a beautiful and dignified home; that is the truth. I should be the last person to deny it. But it has become our background, and that means that we are independent of it in a way. Not that we do not love it; I do from the bottom of my heart. And that brings it to my mind that I should be glad for something to be done for the dear old house, to prevent its falling into decay. I have long wished that its faithful service could be repaid. It would be a relief to Father, who sees it as a life trust and not as his own in any personal sense, so that he would not really be taking anything for himself. And Mark feels about it in the same way. Yes, I think I may say that we should all be grateful for succour for the fine old walls which have sheltered us and our forebears.’
‘Well, there is one bright spot in the darkness,’ said Matty to Dudley, changing her tone as she spoke. ‘I cannot but support my niece, though I must admit that my gratitude would have a personal quality.’
‘But the house has sheltered me and my forebears too,’ said Dudley. ‘Perhaps it does not count.’
‘Well, well, it may count a little. And anyhow it will cost a little. That must be your comfort.’
‘What do you say, Father?’ said Justine.
‘I must say what you do, my dear; I cannot but say it. It is a thing that your uncle and I could do together.’
‘Ah, that strikes the right note. That clinches the matter. You and Uncle can do it together. It stands that it will be done.’
‘Better and better,’ said Matty to Dudley with a smile.
‘We can scarcely say that Father and Mark — that as a family we take nothing,’ said Clement. ‘The house hardly belongs to Father the less, that it will go to his descendants.’
‘No, I do not feel that I can say it,’ said Mark.
‘No, you will not shirk your part as a benefited and grateful person,’ said Matty, in a tone of approval and sympathy.
‘That is hardly straight, Aunt Matty,’ said Justine. ‘I wish you would not let these touches of unfairness creep into your talk. It gives to all our response that little undercurrent of defensiveness. We are not ungrateful because we want something beautiful preserved, which will be of advantage to future generations as well as ourselves, and because we realize that that is the case. You have admitted to the same feeling.’
‘I have it indeed, dear, but then I feel definitely grateful. It is a great thing in my life, this lovely background that I see behind you all, and feel behind myself at stated intervals. I should feel unthankful indeed if I did not appreciate it. And I ask your uncle to accept my gratitude for any service that he does to it.’
‘The east walls are crying for attention,’ said Edgar, as if his thought broke out in spite of himself. ‘I have hardly dared to look at them, but they must be sinking. I can almost feel it; I know it must be the case. You and I might go round, Dudley, and sketch out a plan for the work. This — I find is one of the days of my life.’
Blanche looked up at her husband as if uncertain what she should feel.
‘There, Uncle!’ said Justine. ‘I congratulate you. That is what you want. You have what you would ask.’
‘Better still,’ said Matty to Dudley. ‘There is progress. I don’t think you need fear.’
‘Justine dear, will you fetch my silks from my room?’
‘No, Mother, I can’t be sent out of the room like that, even if I have been a little frank and definite and may be so again. You must know me by now, and if you want me you must take me as I am.’
‘And as we cannot do without her, she has us in a tight place,’ said Matty, retrieving her position.
‘It is half past eleven,’ said Blanche, relinquishing her work as if her thoughts had not returned to it. ‘Matty dear, would you like anything? Or would Father? It is surprising how the time goes.’
‘Well, I really don’t think it is today,’ said Justine. ‘I should not have been surprised to find ourselves at the last stroke.’
‘Well, dear, some coffee for me, and for Father a glass of wine and a sandwich,’ said Matty, somehow implying that in the risen fortunes of the house such requirements would hardly count. ‘I hope you are going to join us.’
‘Yes, we will all have something; I think our nerves need it,’ said Justine.
‘Are you feeling guilty?’ said Matty, in a low, mischievous tone to Dudley.
‘Will Miss Seaton and Mr Seaton be staying to luncheon, ma’am?’ said Jellamy.
‘Yes. You will be staying, won’t you, Matty? Father won’t find it too much? He can have his rest.’
‘We will quarter ourselves upon you,’ said Oliver. ‘You will put up with what comes to you today. I take it that you wouldn’t alter it.’
‘Yes, they will both be here for luncheon, Jellamy.’
‘And Miss Sloane and Miss Griffin, Jellamy,’ said Justine, throwing a glance from her chair.
‘My dear, have you heard that?’
‘No, mother, I have just decided it. I think we need the effect of their presence.’
‘But are they free, dear child?’
‘Well, we can soon find out. If they are not, they cannot come, of course. But I fail to see what engagements they can have in a place where neither knows anyone.’
‘But Miss Sloane may not care to come, What does Aunt Matty say? Miss Sloane is her guest.’
‘Well, for that reason I should like to have her with me. It is a kind thought of Justine’s. I was wondering if I could leave her alone, and how to send a message. But Miss Griffin finds it a change to be without us.’ Matty’s tone quickened and her eyes changed. ‘And I find certain relief in being only with my relations. So I will say what I mean in my family circle and feel it is said.’
‘You will be better apart, if I may still depend on my eyes and ears,’ said her father. ‘I do not know what Maria makes of it all. I do not ask. She could not give a true answer and a false one would be no help. You forget the size of the house, though you talk of it.’
‘Well, I am not used to it yet.’
‘You would do well to become so.’
‘Let me have my own way, Aunt Matty,’ said Justine, sitting on the arm of her aunt’s chair. ‘Don’t deny it to me because we have got a little cross. Give it to me all the more for that.’
‘Well, well, take it, dear. You know how I like you to have it.’
‘You have your own way a good deal, Justine,’ said Blanche.
‘Oh, well, Mother, a mature woman, the only sister amongst three brothers. Father’s only daughter! What can you expect?’
Edgar looked up as if to see how his own name had become involved.
‘Everyone must rejoice with me today,’ said Dudley. ‘That always seems to me an absurd demand, but I am going to make it.’
‘And if there is anyone for selfless rejoicing for other people, Miss Griffin is that person, if I know her,’ said his niece. ‘And I shouldn’t be surprised if Miss Sloane has a touch of the same quality.’