CHAPTER VIII--SNOBBISHNESS



"Why then should vain repinings rise,
That to thy lover fate denies
A nobler name, a wide domain?"--SCOTT.


The friendship with the Sisters was about three weeks old when, one
morning, scaffold poles were being erected in the new side aisle of
St. Kenelm's Church, and superintending them was a tall dark-haired
young man. There was a start of mutual recognition; and by and by he
met Paula and Vera in the porch, and there were eager hand-clasps and
greetings, as befitted old friends meeting in a strange place.

"Mr. Hubert! I heard you were coming!"

"Miss Vera! Miss Paula! This is a pleasure."

Then followed an introduction of Sister Mena, whose elder companion
was away, attending a sick person.

"May I ask whether you are living here?"

"Two miles off at the Goyle, at Arnscombe, with our sister."

"So I heard! I shall see you again." And he turned aside to give an
order, bowing as he did so.