Alick answered, and the two men walked on, engaged in earnest conversation, while Marion, instead of considering her uncle's oracle, began wondering whether she had not said something foolish—something which would lower her in Uncle Duncan's estimation.
As they drew near the village they overtook Therese.
"I thought you were going to stay at home over Sunday?" said Marion.
"So did I," answered Therese, "but mother thought there would be a storm this afternoon; and besides, I don't like to miss the Sunday school. You have company, haven't you?"
"Yes; my uncle and aunt from Syria."
"What, the missionaries? How nice! Oh, Marion, do you think he will talk to the Sunday school? Miss Oliver said perhaps he would when he came. And have you asked him about our girl—little Rachel, you know?" said Therese, with sparkling eyes and true French volubility.
"How you do ask questions, Therese! Uncle and aunt came only last night, and I have not had time to ask them everything," said Marion, who in truth had never thought of little Rachel. "I dare say my uncle will give a lecture or do something of that kind; missionaries always do."
"How does your class collection come on? Ours is almost made up," said Therese.
"I supposed Kitty Tremaine's class would have finished first because she gives so much herself," said Marion; "our teacher, Mrs. Buckley, gives only ten cents a Sunday."
"Kitty gives only five, I know."