He had dropped more than one hint on the previous day, when some errand took him to the Wood House, and he found Elizabeth looking heated and tired, superintending the removal of some furniture.
"You might make use of an idle man," he had said half-jestingly.

"I assure you that I am a complete Jack-of-all-trades, and I don't mind 'a scrow,' as old Nurse Dawson calls it." But though Elizabeth smiled, she did not avail herself of this friendly offer; but it was Dinah who gave him the real explanation.
"Oh, thank you, Mr.Herrick," she had returned gratefully; "we should have been so glad of your help, only David Carlyon and his father are doing all we want.

Mr.Carlyon is so useful, and David spends all his spare time with us." "David"-- in a pondering voice.

And Dinah blushed as if she had been guilty of an indiscretion.
"Oh, we only call him that in order to distinguish him from his father--the two Carlyons are so puzzling; but he is an old and a very dear friend, and at my age it does not matter," finished Dinah with her charming smile.
Malcolm had to content himself with this explanation.

They were old friends.