n I may put in an execution on the farm next week. Is it so?'

And Bryda answered,--

'If you are minded to be so cruel, sir.'

And so Mr Bayfield left her.

'Miss Palmer,' Mrs Lambert said, 'if that gentleman is paying his
addresses to you, it is my duty to express a hope that they are
honourable.'

Bryda's eyes flashed, and she answered,--

'The Squire has a matter of business connected with my grandfather,
beyond this I have no dealings with him, madam.'

'I am happy to hear it, for although, Miss Palmer, I consider you as a
friend rather than a serving-maid, and allow my particular friends to
show you kindness, I must remind you that you are not in the class of
life from which a country squire would choose a _wife_.'

Mr Lambert had left the parlour with the Squire, and Bryda felt that he,
at least, knew the real position of affairs.

Mrs Lambert's words made her heart beat fast with mingled fear and
indignation, and she determined to lose no time in writing to Bet, and
telling her the sale must at once be thought of, for Mr Bayfield was
inexorable, and he must have the money.

The next morning was fair and bright.

The bells of the Bristol churches were ringing a joyous peal, telling
out the glad tidings that the Lord was risen, and Mrs Lambert, arrayed
in her best gown, leaning on her gold-headed walking-stick, with Bryda
at her side carrying her big books, went to the service at the
cathedral.

The anthem had again a message for Bryda, as on that first Sunday long
ago. _Even so in Christ shall all be made alive_, sounded the triumphal
strain, and then there came into her young heart the question, had she
any part or lot in the risen Christ? Bryda had never been confirmed.
Confirmations in those days were of rare occurrence, and the remote
country districts were reached by the Bishop of the diocese at long
intervals. But Mrs Lambert, being a rigid observer of times and seasons,
went up to the altar, at the conclusion of the morning prayer and short
dry sermon, to receive the Holy Communion, as it is set forth in the
prayer book that such is the duty of all members of the Church three
times a year at least, of which Easter is one.

Mrs Lambert put out her hand to Bryda as she left the pew, as if she
needed her support, but poor Bryda shook her head and whispered,--

'I cannot come, madam.'

Mrs Lambert gave her a reproving glance, and one of her friends, seeing
her dilemma, came forward and gave