dance. Then behold the whole procession of labourers, in white round
frocks, blue ribbons in their hats, and tall blue staves in their
hands. In the rear, the confused mob, women and children, cheerful
faces and mirthful sounds everywhere. These were hushed as the flags
were lowered to pass under the low-roofed gateway of the churchyard,
and all was still, except the trampling of feet on the stone floor.
Then the service began, the responses were made in full and hearty
tones, almost running into a chant, the old 133rd Psalm was sung as
loudly and as badly as usual, a very short but very earnest sermon
was preached, and forth came the troop again.

Mr. Devereux always dined with the club in a tent, at the top of the
hill, but his uncle made him promise to come to a second dinner at
the New Court in the evening.

'Robert looks anxious,' said Lily, as she parted with him after the
evening service; 'I am afraid something is going wrong.'

'Trust me for finding out what it is,' said Jane.

'No, no, Jenny, do not ask him,' said Lily; 'if he tells us to
relieve his mind, I am very glad he should make friends of us, but do
not ask. Let us talk of other things to put it out of his head,
whatever it may be.'

Jane soon heard more of the cause of the depression of her cousin's
spirits than even she had any desire to do. After dinner, the girls
were walking in the garden, enjoying the warmth of the evening, when
Mr. Devereux came up to her and drew her aside from the rest, telling
her that he wished to speak to her.