David started and shivered, as if a nerve had suddenly been touched; but Mr. Richmond went on to something else, as if he had not observed it. All through supper time he was so gentle, pleasant, and spirited too in his talk, that the boy who was unaccustomed to such society felt the charm holding him; and Matilda who had not known it for long, felt like a flower opening to the sunshine.
CHAPTER X.
After tea Mr. Richmond led the way back to his study. The first thing he did there was to make the fire blaze up merrily; and then, just as David was thinking how to take leave, the blue eyes came full round upon him, with a look as bright as the fire shine.
"And so," he said, "you are seeking after your Messiah?"
David seemed tongue-tied; he said nothing; he bowed slightly.
"How far have you got?"
"Far enough to be confused, sir."
"Ay? How is that?"
"I feel myself too ignorant yet to be able to judge. Our wise men are saying—I heard them saying—that if Messiah come not soon, he must have come." David's colour changed even as he spoke.