"What's come over David Bartholomew?" Norton whispered. "Politeness?"
"O no, Norton; not politeness. He will tell you himself."
"Davy's strong on politeness," said Norton. "I didn't know but it was that. Politeness took me; but of course, to take Davy, it would have to be a most extraordinary and uncommon sort of politeness. I can hardly believe my eyes yet."
"You always said Mr. Richmond was a brick, Norton," said Matilda.
"Yes, but you never heard me say David Bartholomew was another, did you?"
"Well, but he is, Norton."
"He is! Phew! that's news."
They came to the parsonage door and Matilda could not reply. Going in, Mr. Richmond said to them that he had something to talk with David about, and that they must not sit up if they were tired. So he and David turned into the study, and Norton and Matilda went on into the dining-room, where Miss Redwood was sitting with her Bible. Then David's head was put into the room after them. "Tell Norton for me, please, Matilda," he said; and went back.
"Tell me what?" said Norton.
Matilda did not know how to begin.