"Now, I wonder what that's for?" demanded Miss Sophy in dudgeon. "I should have thought I was as good any day as Miss Pattison, and I've been used to turn my hand to things, and I could have been a help. She won't be no sort of good. Well, I do think it's an ungrateful sort of world. The times I've spoken kindly to the Groateses, and the times we've bought things at their shop, just to give them a bit of encouragement, because they didn't seem to be getting on; and then to be turned off like this, and Miss Pattison let in! Pretty near a stranger to the place as she is, and we who've been here for years and years and years! I do think it's a shame. I shan't go to Groates' shop again in a hurry, I can tell them."
Then she remembered that Groates himself was no longer head of that shop, that Groates had passed away from their midst, and her mutterings died away under a sense of awe.
Meanwhile, Mildred passed into the darkened house, and was met first by the Vicar's kind hand grasping hers.
"This is good of you," he breathed. "I felt sure you would come. I've had to refuse Miss Sophy Coxen; the poor things seemed to dread seeing her. But somebody is wanted."
"How is Mrs. Groates?"
"Wonderful! I never saw such courage. Took it all in at the first moment, and had him laid on the bed, and insists on doing all that is needed for him herself. She's there now, and I've been thinking who to get to help her."
"I'll go, sir, at once. I can help."
The Vicar looked questioningly.
"Yes, I have done it before. I know what to do."
"Then come this way, please."