Mrs.Holly was baking--and the birds sang unheard outside her pantry window.

Mr.Holly was digging potatoes--and the clouds sailed unnoticed above his head.
All the morning David urged and begged.

If for once, just this once, they would leave everything and come, they would not regret it, he was sure.

But they shook their heads and said, "No, no, impossible!" In the afternoon the pies were done and the potatoes dug, and David urged and pleaded again.

If once, only this once, they would go to walk with him in the woods, he would be so happy, so very happy! And to please the boy--they went.
It was a curious walk.