CHAPTER VI--THE MERRY ORCHARD

Where was Harold?

Still the evening went on, and he did not come. Alfred had worn himself out with his fit of crying, and lay quite still, either asleep, or looking so like it, that when Betsey had finished her tea, and again began asking to see him, Ellen could honestly declare that he was asleep.

Betsey had bidden them good-bye, more than half affronted at not being able to report to her mother all about his looks, though she carried with her a basket of gooseberries and French beans, and Mrs. King walked all the way down the lane with her, and tried to shew an interest in all she said, to make up for the disappointment.

Maybe likewise Mrs. King felt it a relief to her uneasiness to look up and down the road, and along the river, and into the farm-yard, in the hope that Harold might be in sight; but nothing was to be seen on the road, but Master Norland, his wife, and baby, soberly taking their Sunday walk; nor by the river, except the ducks, who seemed to be enjoying their evening bath, and almost asleep on the water; nor in the yard, except Paul Blackthorn, who had come down from his perch to drive the horses in from the home-field, and shut the stable up for the night.

She could not help stopping a moment at the gate, and calling out to Paul to ask whether he had seen anything of Harold. He seemed to have a great mind not to hear, and turned very slowly with his shoulder towards her, making a sound like 'Eh?' as if to ask what she said.

Answer this series of questions:

1. Who was asleep?
2. Who wished to see him?
3. Was she a coffee drinker?
4. What did she drink?
5. What did she carry?
6. Was she alone during her stroll?
7. Who did she walk with?
8. Who did she spot along the water?
9. were they asleep?
10. who put the mares in the barn?
11. What day was this?
12. During the morning?
13. Was it night time?
14. Who pretended not to hear?
15. Who spoke to him?
16. Did he reply to her?
17. What caused the little boy to be worn out?
18. Did he sleep?
19. Where were the mares before being put away?
20. how many were there?
1. Alfred
2. Betsey
3. unknown
4. tea
5. a basket of gooseberries and French beans
6. no
7. Mrs. King
8. ducks
9. almost
10. Paul Blackthorn
11. Sunday
12. No
13. Yes
14. Paul
15. Mrs. King
16. Yes
17. a fit of crying
18. Yes
19. the home-field
20. unknown