"That's jolly!" said Norton. "David and the parson! What's come over Bartholomew? Where's he going to get dinner?"
"He didn't come with me, and I don't think he was coming."
"Let him stay and read, then," said Norton. "If he can afford it, we can. Pink, we'll go and get something presently—as soon as I see all this mulching off."
They managed to employ themselves all the rest of the day; dining at the hotel, overseeing work in the grounds of Briery Bank, roaming about the place and enjoying its spring sweetness; talking over what they thought ought to be done; and making a very nice holiday of it generally. Towards evening Norton was persuaded to return with Matilda to the parsonage; perhaps urged by a little curiosity of his own. David had not been seen, Miss Redwood reported.
Neither did he come when tea-time came; and when sought in his room it was discovered that he was not there. Matilda was very much exercised on this subject; but Mr. Richmond took it quietly. Norton declared it was just like David Bartholomew.
"I don't think it it, Norton," said Matilda; "for he is always polite."
"Except this time," said Norton.
"We'll not except this time, if you please," said Mr. Richmond pleasantly. "Things are different from their seeming, oftentimes."
It was Saturday evening, and the minister was busy in his study. The two children kept Miss Redwood company in the dining room. It was a great falling off from last evening, Matilda thought; nevertheless she had a very entertaining talk with Miss Redwood about people and things in Shadywalk; and Norton listened, half amused and half sleepy. Mrs. Candy had been absent from Shadywalk near all winter; in New York.
"In New York!" exclaimed Matilda. "And I never saw her or Clarissa!"