"I wish he'd come to see us again," said Kit, after the Dominie
had passed by.
Father Vedder was pleased.
"I am glad to see that you love your pastor, my son," he said.
"Well," said Kit, "I don't really like him so very much, because
we have to be washed, and recite the catechism, and mind all our
manners when he comes. But Mother always has such good things to
eat when the Dominie comes--doesn't she, Kat?--cake and preserves
and everything!"
"If it weren't for the catechism and such things, it would be
something like St. Nicholas day!" sighed Kat. "But the Dominie
never forgets! And last time I couldn't tell what saving grace
was! The cakes are good, but..."
"Good Dutch boys and girls always learn their catechism well,"
said Father Vedder; "then they are glad to see the good Dominie
as well as the cakes. Now no more chatter! Here is a penny for
each of you to put in the bag when it is passed."
He gave them each a penny. Kit put his in his pocket. Kat didn't
have a pocket, so she held hers tight in her hand.
At the church door they met Grandfather and Grandmother.
Grandfather looked very fine indeed, in his black clothes; and
Grandmother was all dressed up in her best black dress, with a
fresh white cap, and a shawl over her shoulders. She carried a
large psalm book with golden clasps in one hand, and a scent
bottle in the other. She had some peppermints too. Kit and Kat
smelled them.
They all went into the church together, and an old woman led them
to their seats.
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