Rosalys, and Randolph too, though in a less thoughtful way, understood all this, and both of the elder children were anxious to help and cheer their parents to the best of their ability.  And as all children love change, and most children enjoy, for a time at least, the freedom and independence of the country, it was much less trying for them than for their father and mother.  To Bridget the idea of coming to live altogether at the seaside was one of unmixed pleasure.  She dearly loved the sea, and all she had hitherto known of it was in pleasant summer weather, and at a bright amusing little place called Rockcliffe.  Seacove was certainly not exactly what she had expected; still, sand-hills and a great stretch of splendid shore were not to be despised.  I feel sure, however, that young as she was she would have sympathised with her mother, and tried ‘extra’ hard not to vex her, had she known more about it all.  But very little had been explained to her; indeed, Rosalys had been forbidden to say much about the reasons for the change to her little sister.  ’She is such a baby for her age, and so heedless,’ said Mrs. Vane.  In treating Bride thus, I think her mother made a mistake.

The children’s tea was laid out in the dining-room, for the schoolroom was still in a chaotic state, and Miss Millet, the governess, was not coming back for another week yet.  And in the meantime mamma, and papa too, sometimes had tea with the little girls and Randolph.

The fire was burning brightly and the table looked inviting when Mrs. Vane came downstairs.  Alie had hurried down to see to it all; she knew what a difference a little care makes sometimes—­how a crumpled-looking table-cloth or untidily placed dishes will add to low spirits when any one is not feeling as bright and cheerful as usual.  There were still some of grandmamma’s good things, which she had had packed in a hamper for the first start at the new rectory—­home-made cakes and honey and fresh butter, the very sight of which made one hungry!

Rosalys glanced at her mother, and was pleased to see that the sweet face looked rather brighter and less anxious as she stood for a moment at the fire warming her hands.

’There is one comfort in this house, inconvenient though it is in many ways,’ said Mrs. Vane, ’the chimneys don’t smoke.  And close to the sea as it is, one could scarcely have wondered if they had done so.  If only it really does your father as much good as the doctors said, I am sure I shall get to like it.’

‘Yes indeed,’ Alie agreed.  ’Mamma dear, won’t you sit down and let me pour out your tea?’

‘The wind is really rising,’ said Mrs. Vane.  ’I wish they would come in—­papa and Rough.  It would be such a pity if he caught cold,’ she added with a little sigh.

Something in the tone and the sigh caught Biddy’s attention.  She was sitting at the table more silent than usual, very much absorbed, in fact, with her own grievances.  What did mamma mean?