s," said Tom. "It wouldn't do to start back
too early; father wouldn't have time to get to the milestone to meet us."

So they went and had their lunch in a leisurely, lazy way, talking all the
time they munched at their sandwiches and apples. "I've got four
shillings for father, and threepence for Margery," said Bella, counting up
her takings, "and two shillings for myself."

"And I've got two shillings too," chimed in Tom.

This was a large sum to children brought up in the country, where the
best-paid workmen earned only twelve and sixpence a week.

Their meal ended, they went back to the shops and people again, and made
their purchases, and at last were able to turn their steps homeward.

"Instead of being early, we're later than usual," said Tom. "Father will
have to wait a bit for us."

"Never mind; I dare say we shall be able to walk a little faster to-day,"
said Bella, "and make it up. Margery said she would come to meet us.
I wonder if she will. She's dying to wear her pink frock like mine, but I
don't s'pose Aunt Emma will let her. I shall be able to see as soon as we
turn the last bend of the road. The pink will show out fine against the
hedge. Oh dear, I wish we were there! I shall be glad to give these
baskets up to father, these groceries weigh heavy," and Bella sighed
wearily.

"Only one more hill and two more bends, and we shall see him," said Tom
cheerfully, for one of the chief pleasures of their day was to catch sight
of the milestone where their father had never yet failed to meet them,
to take their baskets from them, and listen to their account of the day's
doings.

"Only one more hill and two bends!" the thought sent them trudging on with
renewed spirit, and the hill was climbed before they realised it.
Then one bend in the road was rounded, then the other, and there in the
distance could be seen the milestone. But, except for the milestone, the
road was empty!

"Why, father isn't there!" cried Bella disappointedly; "he is late."

"P'raps somebody has met him, and kept him talking," suggested Tom;
"we shall see him hurrying along in a minute." So they finished the rest
of the distance with their eyes eagerly scanning the white road stretching
away before them.

"We will have a rest here, shall we?" said Bella, placing her baskets on
the ground by the old grey stone; "he won't be more than a few minutes,
I expect. Oh, I am so tired, aren't you?"

Tom, seated on the milesto