t 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.

It was very foolish in Violet to laugh, and very wrong, too, she knew;
but she could not help it. Jem's idea of the way to keep order was so
absurd. David did not laugh. He looked anxious, and at a loss, and a
little indignant at his sister's amusement.

"I beg your pardon, Davie. Let us just go on us usual," she entreated.
"Why should you mind?"

And so they did go on. They sung a hymn very well; at least, they sung
with a great deal of spirit. There were some clea