"If you attend the funeral, the boy might tolerate you," he said. "Once break down his suspicion and get to his wayward heart, good would come of it He is feeling this very much and in a melting mood."
"I'll stop, if he won't be vexed."
Mr. Churchouse went into the garden and praised Abel's energies.
"A beautiful grave; and it is right and proper that Peter Grim should lie here, because he often hunted here."
"He caught the mice that live in holes at the bottom of the wall," said
Abel.
"If you are ready, we will now bury him. Mother must come to the funeral, and Estelle must come, because she was very, very fond of poor Peter and she would think it most unkind of us if we buried him while she was not there. She will bring some flowers for the grave, and you must get some flowers, too, Abel. We must, in fact, each put a flower on him."
The boy frowned at mention of Estelle, but forgot her in considering the further problem.
"He liked the mint bed. I'll put mint on him," he said.
"An excellent thought. And I shall pluck one of the big magnolias myself."
Returning, Ernest informed Estelle that she must be at the funeral and she went home for a bunch of blossoms to grace the tomb. She picked hot-house flowers, hoping to propitiate Abel. There woke a great hope in her to win him. But she failed.