service of the parish, as well as in her official character at the
Homestead. It so chanced that one Sunday afternoon they found
themselves simultaneously at the door of the school-house, whence
issued not the customary hum, but loud sounds of singing.

"Ah!" said Grace, "Mr. Touchett was talking of getting the choir
master from Avoncester, and giving up an afternoon to practice for
Easter, but he never told me it was to be to-day."

On inquiry, it appeared that notice had been given in the morning,
but not till after Miss Williams had gone home to fetch her little
niece, and while Rachel was teaching her boys in the class-room out
of hearing. It was one of the little bits of bad management that
were sure to happen wherever poor Mr. Touchett was concerned; and
both ladies feeling it easy to overlook for themselves, were thankful
that it had not befallen Rachel. Alison Williams, thinking it far to
walk either to the Homestead or Myrtlewood before church, proposed to
Grace to come home with her, an offer that was thankfully accepted,
with merely the scruple whether she should disturb the invalid.

"Oh, no, it would be a great pleasure; I always wish we could get
more change and variety for her on Sunday."

"She is very self-denying to spare you to the school."

"I have often wished to give it up, but she never will let me. She
says it is one of the few things we can do, and I see besides that it
brings her fresh interests. She knows about all my class, and works
for them, and has them to see her; and I am sure it is better for
her, though it leaves her more hours alone with Rose."