He covered his writing up when we went in—I didn't know why. He looked rather cross, and we heard Jane or somebody being scolded outside by the voice. I hope it wasn't for letting us in, but I have had doubts.
"Well," said the clergyman, "what is all this about?"
"You asked us to call," Dora said, "about your little Sunday school. We are the Bastables of Lewisham Road."
"Oh—ah, yes," he said; "and shall I expect you all to-morrow?" He took up his pen and fiddled with it, and he did not ask us to sit down. But some of us did.
"We always spend Sunday afternoon with Father," said Dora; "but we wished to thank you for being so kind as to ask us."
"And we wished to ask you something else!" said Oswald; and he made a sign to Alice to get the sherry ready in the glass. She did—behind Oswald's back while he was speaking.
"My time is limited," said Mr Mallow, looking at his watch; "but still——" Then he muttered something about the fold, and went on: "Tell me what is troubling you, my little man, and I will try to give you any help in my power. What is it you want?"
