In the afternoon, tired of being alone, she put on her things to go out, and met Mr. Thornycroft. She began a shower of questions. Where had he been? What doing? Where were all of them--Isaac--Mary Anne? Not a soul had she seen the whole day, except Richard. Mr. Thornycroft lifted his finger to command attention, as he answered her.
It would be better that they should at once begin as they were to go on; and she, his lady wife, must not expect to get a categorical account of daily movements. He never presumed to ask his sons how their days were spent. Farmers--farming a large tract of land--had to be in fifty places at least in the course of the day; here, and there, and everywhere. This applied to himself as well as to his sons. When Cyril came home he could attend upon her; he had nothing to do with the out-door work, and never would have.
"Hyde said you rode out this morning."
"I had business at Dartfield: have just got home."
"Dartfield! where's that?"
"A place five or six miles away: with a dreary road to it, too," added the justice.
"Won't you walk with me?" she pleaded, in the soft manner that had, so attracted him before marriage.
"If you like. Let us go for a stroll on the heath."
"Where is Mary Anne?" she inquired, as they went on.
"Mary Anne is your concern now, not mine. Has she not been with you?"