Upon appointment the master shall notify the parties of the time and place of their first meeting, which shall be within 20 days or such other time as the court’s order may fix. If a party so notified fails to appear, the master may proceed ex parte, or, in the master’s discretion, adjourn to a future day, giving notice thereof to the absent party. It is the duty of the master to proceed with all reasonable diligence; and the court, after notice to the master and the parties, may order the master to expedite proceedings or make a report.