“There have been no scandals of any sort connected with the village, madam,” he assured her. “To the best of my belief, all of our people are industrious, sober and pious. They attend church regularly. As you know, we have not a public-house or a dissenting place of worship in the village.”
“The man must be a fool,” she said deliberately. “You did not, of course, give him permission to hold these services?”
“Certainly not,” the agent answered. “I refused it absolutely.”
The lady rose, and Mr. Hurd understood that he was dismissed.
“You will tell your son about Thursday?” she reminded him.
“I will deliver your message, madam,” he answered.
She nodded her farewell as the footman opened the door.
“Everything seems to be most satisfactory, Mr. Hurd,” she said. “I shall probably be here for several weeks, so come up again if there is anything you want me to sign.”
“I am much obliged, madam,” the agent answered.