By this time, however, Dyson had got so pleased with his new accomplishment, that he declared it his intention to go and pay some visits in the village, saying it was several years since he had had a good chat with his neighbors.
But they all went, the old man hurrying on at a great rate, so eager was he to show off his newly-recovered powers.
The first person they met was Virginie, and Dyson said he must have a word with "Mamselle."
Humphrey was in an excited state, ready for anything; so while Virginie was talking, he called Miles, and told him he thought it would be a capital evening for the pond where the water-lilies grew. There was a stile at the side of the road, which he knew to be a short cut to the pond, and he had no doubt they would be able to find their way.
No recollection of his promise to his father troubled his conscience; and as they were not going to climb the tree, even Virginie could not object!
So he helped his little brother over the stile, and then they both ran with all their might.
Meanwhile Virginie, talking affably through the trumpet, in the high road, did not notice that they had disappeared.