Tell him I should like to shake hands with him when he goes to the vicarage." "Do you really want me to say this to him ?" and there was little doubt from Elizabeth's face that she was reluctant to give the message.

But David meant to have his way.
"Yes, tell him," he repeated.

"He and Cedric are sure to walk over in the morning--the vicar and Herrick are such cronies; and why should he pass my door ?" And this seemed so plausible that Elizabeth said no more; but as she walked home she wondered more than once over this strange fancy on David's part.

There had been so little intercourse between the two young men--a secret sense of antagonism on Malcolm Herrick's part had been an obstacle to David's proffered friendliness.
It was true that Mr.Herrick must pass the White Cottage on his way to the vicarage, and even without the message his good feeling would probably have induced him to stop and inquire after the invalid, but she felt David's request would surprise him.

Nevertheless, she must do his will and give the message.
Elizabeth was later than usual that evening, and she found that Malcolm had just arrived, and was talking to Dinah in the drawing-room.