Here the van was disposed of, the horses taken out and provided with
food, Cherry carried to a mossy throne under a glorious beech tree,
and the hampers unpacked by Mamma and Wilmet, among much capering and
dancing of the rest of the family and numerous rejected volunteers of
assistance. Felix and Alda were allowed to spread the table-cloth and
place the dishes, but Edgar was only entreated to keep the rest out
of the way.
Meanwhile, Geraldine sat under the silvery bole of her beech tree,
looking up through its delicate light green leaves to the blue sky,
not even wanting to speak, lest anything should break that perfection
of enjoyment. Her father watched the little pale absorbed
countenance, and as Mr. Audley came up, touched him to direct his
attention to the child's expression; but the outcry of welcome with
which the rest greeted the newcomer was too much for even Cherry's
trance, and she was a merry child at once, hungry with unwonted
appetite, and so relishing her share of the magnificent standing-pie,
that Mrs. Underwood reproved herself for thinking what the poor child
would be if she had such fare and such air daily, instead of ill-
dressed mutton in the oppressive smoke-laden atmosphere.
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