Part 20 (2/2)

”Mamma, listen to Davie and Letty speaking evil of their neighbours,”

said Jem.

”Not speaking evil, I hope,” said Mrs Inglis, ”but still not speaking with charity, I am afraid.”

”I was not speaking evil of him, mamma,” said Violet. ”I only meant that he does not care for anything very much, except to amuse himself.

I think he is rather foolish, but I would not speak evil of him.”

”See that you don't, then,” said Jem.

”He made himself very agreeable this afternoon, that is all we need say,” said Mrs Inglis. ”We are not likely to see very much of him in future.”

Nothing more was said at that time. They saw a good deal of both brothers during the next few weeks. But they saw nothing for a good while that inclined either Violet or Davie to change their opinion of the elder one.

The next day Frank came home with them from church. He was the only one of the family at church that day, for it had rained in the morning, and they were not very regular churchgoers at the best of times.

”Papa said I might go home with you, if Aunt Mary asked me,” said Frank, as he joined them at the door.

”Come on, then,” said Jem. ”Mamma doesn't approve of Sunday visiting, as a general thing, but you are one of ourselves by this time. Mamma, ask Frank to come.”

Mrs Inglis smiled.

”Come and read with the children, Frank,” said she.

Frank was only too happy to go. He did not go to the Sunday-school with the others, but chose to stay at home with Mrs Inglis and little Mary.

But the first person the others saw when they came to Muddy Lane was Mr Philip, waiting for them at the corner, as though it were the most natural and proper thing in the world for him to be there.

”I came to hear what your friend Mr Caldwell has to say to-day, Jem,”

said he.

”All right!” said Jem. ”He will have something appropriate to say about Sabbath-breaking, I dare say.”

”I am sure I don't know why,” said Philip, laughing.

”He'll tell you why,” said Jem.

David did not say it was all right, nor think it. Indeed, it proved to his mind to be all wrong, for Mr Caldwell did not make his appearance at all.

”To think of his failing to-day, of all days,” said David.

They waited for him a long time, till the children became restless and impatient.

”We ought to begin, Davie,” said Violet.

”Yes. I wouldn't mind if we were by ourselves.”

”Why should you mind now? Go ahead, Davie. If he laughs, I'll knock him down,” said Jem.

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