After supper, when we had gathered in the sitting-room, grandmother quietly handed him Mrs.Lurvey's letter, with the notification about the birch.
"This came while you were away, Joseph," she said to him, while the rest of us, sitting very still, looked on, keenly interested to see how he would take it.
The old Squire unfolded the letter and began reading it, then started suddenly, and for some moments sat very still, pondering the notification.

"This bids fair to be a serious matter for us," he said, at last.

"We have lost that birch contract, I fear, and the money that went into it.
"And I have only my own carelessness to thank for it," he added, looking distressed.
Theodora could not stand that another minute.

She stole round behind the old Squire's chair, put her arms about his neck, and whispered something in his ear.
"What!" he exclaimed, incredulously.
"Yes!" she cried to him.
"Impossible, child!" said he.
"No, it isn't!" shouted Addison.

"We've got that birch off, sir.