When he found that Bobus meant to go in search of the lawyer that afternoon, he decided on accompanying him. And with a truly amazing burst of intuition, he even suggested carrying off Elvira to spend the day with Essie and Ellie, and even that an invitation might arise to stay all night, or as long as the first suspense lasted. Then muttering to himself, “A severe reverse--a most severe reverse!” he took his leave. Caroline went down stairs with him, as thinking she could the most naturally administer the invitation to Elvira, and the two eldest sons proceeded to make arrangements for the time of meeting and the journey. “A severe reverse!” said Jock, finding himself alone with the younger ones. “When one has a bitter draught, it is at least a consolation to have labelled it right.” “Shall we be very poor, Jock?” asked Barbara. “I don’t know what we were called before,” he said; “but from what I remember, I fancy we had about what I have been using for my private delectation. Just enough for my mother and you to be jolly upon.” “That’s all you think of!” said Armine. “All that a man need think of,” said Jock; “as long as mother and Babie are comfortable, we can do for ourselves very well.” “Ourselves!” said Armine, bitterly. “And how about this wretched place that we have neglected shamefully all these years!” “Armine!” cried Jock, indignantly. “Why, you are talking of mother!” “Mother says so herself.” “You went on raging about it; and, just like her, she did not defend herself. I am sure she has given away loads of money.” “But see what is wanting! The curate, and the school chapel, and the cottages; and if the school is not enlarged, they will have a school board. And what am I to say to Miss Parsons? I promised to bring mother’s answer about the curate this afternoon at latest.” “If she has the sense of a wren, she must know that a cataclysm like Janet’s may account for a few trifling omissions.” “That’s true,” said Babie! “She can’t expect it. Do you know, I am rather sorry we are not poorer? I hoped we should have to live in a very small way, and that I should have to work like you--for mother.” “Not like us, for pity’s sake, Infanta!” cried Jock. “We have had enough of that. The great use of you is to look after mother; and keep her from galloping the life out of herself, and this chap from worrying it out of her.” “Jock!” cried Armine, indignantly.