"Oh, fine. The girls sang beautifully, and I read the Bible lesson
without mispronouncing a single word. Did the boys miss me at the
Hollow?"

"Yes, they said they needed you worse than the old ladies. Maybe they
were right. We must save your Sunday afternoons for them after this.
They do need you."

"Did you have supper with the Baldwins?"

"Yes. You stayed with Mrs. Norris, didn't you?"

"Yes. Um, I am sleepy."

David coughed slightly.

"Get up off this floor, David Duke," scolded Carol. "Don't you know
that floors are always drafty? I am surprised at you. I wish Prudence
was here to make you soak your feet in hot water and drink peppermint
tea."

"You work too hard, Carol. You are busy every minute."

"Yes. I have to be, to keep in hailing distance of you. You usually
do about three things at once."

"It's been a good year, Carol. You've enjoyed it, spite of everything,
haven't you?"