"Well, be sure! who ever saw such a lad? Sent out to play at four o'
the clock, and all o'er mud at five! Where hast thou been, Will? Speak
the truth, now!"
"Been down by the brook rush-plaiting," said little Will, looking as if
his mind were not quite made up whether to cry or to be sulky.
"The mischievousness of lads! Didn't I tell thee to mind and keep thy
clothes clean?"
"You're always after clothes! How could I plait rushes and keep 'em
clean?"
"And who told you to plait rushes, Master Impudence? Take that."
_That_ was a sound box on the ear which Ursula delivered by way of
illustration to her remarks. "What's become o' Phil Tye? I thought he
was going to look after thee."
"Well, he did, a bit: then he and Jem Morris went off bird-nesting."
"I'll give it him when I see him! Where's Cicely?"
"She's somewhere," said Will, looking round the cottage, as if he
expected to see her in some corner.
"I reckon I could have told thee so much. Did Mistress Wade find you?"
"She was down at the brook: but she went after Cis."
"Well, thou'lt have to go to bed first thing, for them clothes must be
washed."