ks, foolish woman, that it is full of gold! I only
hope she won't spread that notion about Brambleton. The next thing
will be that we shall have thieves in the house, and perhaps be all
murdered in our beds!' Captain Knox laughed at her fears, and soon
after, they joined the others in the drawing-room.

CHAPTER V

A Quiet Sunday

'O day most calm, most bright,
The fruit of this, the next world's bud.
* * * *
The week were dark, but for thy light,
Thy torch doth show the way.'--_G. Herbert._

The sisters, accompanied by Captain Knox, made quite a sensation in the
little village church when they entered it on that Sunday morning. The
old sexton fussed about as if all the seats were occupied; but
eventually they were shown into one just beside the pulpit stairs.
Miss Miller glared at them through her green spectacles, and Elfie felt
miserably conscious that she had recognised them. There were a few
other gentle-people in the church besides themselves, and a very fair
sprinkling of farmers and villagers. The service was simple and
hearty; the village schoolmaster played the organ, and Mr. Miller, a
fine-looking, grey-headed man, delighted Agatha at least, by his
earnest, faithful preaching. Coming out into the churchyard, Agatha
was stopped by Miss Miller hastening up to her. She was dressed in
black silk; but her bonnet, a wonderful erection of lace and ribbon,
was quite awry, and she seemed agitated. She spoke jerkily, and Agatha
had difficulty in preserving her usual equanimity of mind.

'Excuse me, but I believe you have taken Mr. Tom Lester's house--a most
unsatisfactory parishioner he is, and not at all what he should be. I
am hoping to call on you this week. Who is the gentleman? your
brother? No? A great pity, then, for a houseful of women is only a
hot-bed for scandal and gossip. We have too many women by far in this
neighbourhood--a bachelor parson always draws them. Have you any
acquaintances in the neighbourhood? Ah, so much the better. There is
service at half-past six this evening; I hope you will be regular
attendants. You live in a godless house; take care that the atmosphere
does not affect you. Mr. Tom Lester never entered the House of God
after I spoke to him about the irreverence of his yawns during the
sermon! Good-bye, and I hope you will prove pleasant neighbours. That
remains to be seen!'

She darted away as quickly as she came; and E