She extended her thin, claw-like hand to Mr. Churchill, but coldly.
“This is a sad affair, madam,” said Mr. Churchill as he took it.
“Not for everyone,” she could not help replying, spitefully.
“I think for everyone,” answered the farmer, sturdily; “we all have to go, but the squire was a good man, and a good friend to all who knew him. There was but one opinion about the squire.”
“But one, I am sure,” said the vicar, weakly.
“I have been talking to the vicar, madam,” went on Mr. Churchill, still sturdily, “about the best and quickest way of communicating with Mr. John Temple.”
“But you have not his address, I understood,” said Mrs. Layton, quickly and viciously.
“That will be soon found, madam.”
“But I thought not,” replied Mrs. Layton, yet more viciously. “I understand that since Mr. John Temple quitted this house in such an extraordinary manner, that neither he nor—your daughter have ever been heard of.”