“Dr. Wilkinson's, Ashfield House,” said Louis.
“Henry, will you remember the address?” said the lady.
The young gentleman grunted some kind of acquiescence; and, after due adieus, Mrs. Paget walked into the shop.
“Frank, I'm ashamed of you,” said Hamilton.
“I am sure,” replied Frank, “I've been doing all the work; I'm a walking exhibition of entertainment for man and beast.”
Hamilton would not laugh, and, finding all remonstrances unavailing, he quickened his pace and walked on in silence till they reached the music-seller's, where, after some deliberation, they obtained the requisite music, and, after a few more errands, began to retrace their steps.
The walk home was very merry. Louis, having unfastened the bundle, tried over some of the songs, and taught Frank readily the contralto of two. Then he wanted to try Hamilton, but this in the open air Hamilton stoutly resisted, though he promised to make an effort at some future time. After Frank and Louis had sung their duets several times over to their own satisfaction while sitting under a hedge, all the party grew silent: there was something so beautiful in the stillness and brightness, that none felt inclined to disturb it. At last, Louis suddenly began Eve's hymn:
“How cheerful along the gay mead
The daisy and cowslip appear!
The flocks, as they carelessly feed,