"Where's Davy?"
"At the parsonage. He's busy."
"Look at those hyacinths,—up already, all of an inch above ground. It's well I came to see after them."
"What makes them so yellow, Norton, instead of green?"
"Why because they've been covered up and shaded from the sun. A little longer, and they would have been spoiled."
"How beautiful it would be, Norton, if we had our two new beds planted! all full of roses and hyacinths."
"Ah, wouldn't it!" repeated Norton. "You see, we were a bit too late about it last fall; or, I'll tell you! it was that sickness kept us away. We'll have 'em next year. What have you and David been doing yonder?"
"Reading"—said Matilda doubtfully.
"Reading what?"
"Mr. Richmond and David were reading together."