Maybe he's gone.

What made you so late?
And, oh, we got a new buggy!" The old mother repeated anxiously, "Have you had your supper ?" "No," said Hawker, "but----" The three women sprang to their feet.

"Well, we'll git you something right away." They bustled about the kitchen and dove from time to time into the cellar.

They called to each other in happy voices.
Steps sounded on the line of stones that led from the door toward the barn, and a shout came from the darkness.

"Well, William, home again, hey ?" Hawker's grey father came stamping genially into the room.