And they all talked.
But little of what they said could David understand.

To none of his questions could he obtain an answer that satisfied.
Neither, on his part, could he seem to reply to their questions in a way that pleased them.
They went in to breakfast then, Mr.and Mrs.Holly, and the man, Perry Larson.

They asked David to go--at least, Mrs.Holly asked him.

But David shook his head and said "No, no, thank you very much; I'd rather not, if you please--not now." Then he dropped himself down on the steps to think.

As if he could EAT--with that great choking lump in his throat that refused to be swallowed! David was thoroughly dazed, frightened, and dismayed.