“I'm a-comin',” said the child.
“Comin', yes. But where on earth have you been? I've been hunting all over creation for you. I didn't suppose you'd be out here, on this day of all others, with—with that critter,” indicating David, who appeared, blinking sleepily.
“I must say I shouldn't think you'd be fussin' along with a cat today,” declared Mrs. Hobbs.
“Yes'm,” said Mary-'Gusta. David yawned, apparently expressing a bored contempt for housekeepers in general.
“Come right along into the house,” continued Mrs. Hobbs. “It's high time you was gettin' ready for the funeral.”
“Ready? How?” queried Mary-'Gusta.
“Why, changin' your clothes, of course.”
“Do folks dress up for funerals?”
“Course they do. What a question!”
“I didn't know. I—I've never had one.”