"For a walk and to make a pastoral call or two," he answered, pausing and turning toward her with an air of affectionate respect.
"Well, Joel, don't forget to come home early enough to dress for the wedding. I shall be ready in good season, and hope you will too."
"Oh, certainly, mother! I'm glad you reminded me, though, for I really had forgotten it."
"And will again, I'm very much afraid," she murmured, between a smile and a sigh, as she watched him down the street.
He walked on and on in meditative mood, till nearing a farm-house, several miles from town, he was waked from his revery by the voice of its owner bidding him good-day and asking if he would go with him to the river for an afternoon's fishing. "I was just setting off for it," he said. "I've an extra pole and line here, and shall be glad of your company."
"Thank you, Mr. Vail, I will: it's a pastime I'm somewhat partial to," the minister made answer.
"Will, Will!" the farmer called to his son, "bring me that other fishing tackle, and tell your mother we'll be back—Mr. Lord and I—for tea about sundown."
Seven was the hour set for the wedding ceremony. At half-past five Mrs. Lord's tea-table was ready and waiting for the return of her son. But six o'clock came, and there was no sign of his approach.
"I'll go and dress; perhaps he'll be here by that time," she said to herself, turning from the window from which she had been gazing with constantly increasing anxiety and impatience.