a little busy, pleasant bustle, for a time; and then Matilda,
with Norton's help, had got everything in order for the evening meal.
The sun was near setting, and threw bright lines of light in at the two
little west windows, filling the small dining-room with pure gold; then
it went down, and the gold was gone, and only in the low western sky
the brightness remained.

"It's time for the minister to be at home," Norton said.

"He has a great deal to do," Matilda answered.

"What?" said Norton. "I always thought the parsons had an easy time of
it. I could write two themes a week, I think, if I tried hard."

"Norton!" Matilda exclaimed, "it isn't that; and Mr. Richmond doesn't
write themes, as you call it, to begin with."

"That must be harder then," said Norton; "to stand up and speak to
people without anything to say."

"Why he doesn't!" said Matilda. "Mr. Richmond always has plenty to say.
I suppose he could talk all day, if he didn't get tired."

"I mean preaching," said Norton.

"Yes, and I mean preaching," said Matilda.

"Where is it to come from?" said the boy, pursing his lips ready for a
whistle.

"Why, out of his head, and out of his heart," said Matilda. "Where
should it come from?"

"I say, Pink," said Norton, "it's very funny for me to be here. I don't
think I can stand it long."

"Stand what?"

"This. Being at the parsonage and getting talked to. I suppose I shall."

"Norton," said Matilda, confidently, "you'll like it. It's just nice."

"I don't know about that," said Norton. "It feels queer. I believe I am
afraid."

Matilda laughed at his very un-fear-like face; and then the front door
opened and shut. Mr. Richmond had come.

It was a jolly tea they had, Norton confessed afterwards. Mr. Richmond
went rummaging among Miss Redwood's stores and brought out a jar of
sweetmeats; in honour, he said, of his guests. The sweetmeats were
good, and so was Miss Redwood's fresh bread. And there was indeed
plenty of talk at the table; but it was not in the least like
preaching. From the sick Swiss, and their voyage, Mr. Richmond and
Norton somehow got upon the subject of navigation and commerce, with
ships ancient and modern, and a little touch here and there showing how
much these things have had to do with the history of the world and the
life of nations. Mr. Richmond and Norton talked and talked; and Matilda
listened, and made the tea, and enjoyed it all very much, seeing too
what a good time No