alf-a-dozen straggling worshippers, and the
prayers were made as short as possible by the irreverent fashion in
which they were hurried over. But Bryda's ear caught the words of the
anthem, which, by the care of the organist, was really the only
devotional part of the service.

It was but a fragment from Handel's _Messiah_, but it was well sung, and
the words struck home to Bryda's heart.

_As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. For as
by man came death, by man came also the resurrection from the dead._

Death, on which she had so often meditated--death, which had for her so
much of darkness and fear--death could be changed by Him who had
conquered death--'_All be made alive_.'

The beauty of the music and the words acted like a spell on her, and she
forgot the passing of time, till, as the half-dozen old men and women
tottered away to their homes, she raised her head to see the verger
beckoning to her.

'Service over, we clear the church,' he said, and Bryda rose hastily,
and with heightened colour went out again into the summer noontide.

CHAPTER X

A LONG RESPITE.

Bryda had nearly reached the entrance to Dowry Square, fearing she might
be reprimanded for delay, when her heart beat fast as she recognised the
Squire, Mr Bayfield, crossing over it to meet her.

His manner had changed, and he was gentle and even deferential as he
bowed low and addressed Bryda.

'Good-day to you, Miss Palmer. I have come, by your leave, to hear your
decision.'

'My decision was made, sir, when I last saw you. I have no more to say.'

'Hearken, fair lady, I am not one to be beaten in the race. See here, I
had determined, as you know, to get that money, my lawful due. When I
saw you standing at the cross roads like an incarnation of spring's
loveliness my courage forsook me. In our future interviews it grew
fainter and ever fainter. I love you, madam, and if you will promise to
be my wife I swear I will never press that old man again for the money.
I will work honestly to redeem the neglect of the past, at my poor home,
and I swear further I will see you its fair mistress ere another year is
out.

'Nay, sir,' Bryda said, gathering up all her strength, 'nay, sir, do not
swear what is impossible to perform. Not even to save those I love from
penury will I accept your proposal.'

'Another suitor is more favoured, I presume. Who is he?'

'Nay, sir,' Bryda said, with heightened colour and flash