'All of a piece,' muttered Tom; then presently he swung the basket round on the ground with a vehement exclamation—'If any man on this earth deserved to be among the robbers and murderers, I know who it is.' Then he shouldered his load again, and walked on in silence by his sister's side to the school door.
Richard had been obliged to go to a benefit club entertainment; and Ethel, knowing the limited literary resources of the parsonage, was surprised to find Tom still waiting for her, when the distribution and fitting of the blue-ribboned hats was over, and matters arranged for the march of the children to see the wedding, and to dine afterwards at the Grammar-school hall.
'O, Tom, I did not expect to find you here.'
'It is not fit for you to be walking about alone on a Whit Monday.'
'I am very glad to have you, but I am past that.'
'Don't talk nonsense; girls are girls till long past your age,' said Tom.
'It is not so much age, as living past things,' said Ethel.
'It was not only that, added Tom; 'but I've more to say to you, while one can be sure of a quiet moment. Have you heard anything about that place?' and he pointed in the direction of the Vintry Mill.
'I heard something of an intention to part with it, and have been watching for an advertisement; but I can see none in the Courant, or on the walls.'
'Mind he does not slip off unawares.'