The little chapel was old and plain, very small, but reverently cared
for. There was no choir, but the chairs of those who could sing were
placed near the harmonium, which was played by one of the young
ladies from the large gabled house to which the chapel was attached,
and the singing had the refined tones that belong to the music of
cultivated people. The congregation was evidently of poor folks from
the hamlet, dependants of the great house, and the family itself, a
grey-haired, fine-looking general, a tall dark-eyed lady, a tall
youth, a schoolboy, and four girls--one of whom was musician, and the
other presided over the school children. The service was reverent,
the catechising good and effective, the sermon brief, and summing up
in a spiritual and devotional manner; Magdalen was happy, and trusted
that Paulina was so likewise.

She expected to hear some commendation as they walked home, but Vera
alone kept with her, to examine her on the names and standing of the
persons she had seen, on which there was as yet little to tell, for
the first move towards acquaintance had not yet been made. All that
was known was that there were Sir Jasper and Lady Merrifield,
connections of Lord Rotherwood, who owned most of the Rockstone
property, and who with his family had once been staying in the
country house where Magdalen had been governess; but it was a long
time ago, and she only recollected that there were some nice little
girls. At least she said no more, but her friend thought the more.

"I suppose they will call?" said Vera.

"Most likely they will."