Marigold's eyes filled with tears at the reproof, gently given though it was, and she felt thoroughly ashamed. Her lips trembled as she said in a low voice—
"I am very sorry, Aunt Mary; I am indeed!"
"Be more careful and thoughtful for the future, my dear child. Now, I have come to ask if you would like to go to the cathedral with us this afternoon; both Pamela and I are going, and we thought, as you will be at school next week, that you ought not to miss the opportunity of accompanying us to-day."
"Oh, Aunt Mary, I should like so much to go with you," the little girl replied gladly, her face brightening.
"Well, put on your hat and jacket at once, then, and join us downstairs."
Marigold obeyed with alacrity, and presently sallied forth between her two aunts, reflecting that it was Friday, and therefore very possible that they might see Farmer Jo and his mother. Nor was she disappointed, for again on leaving the cathedral, she espied them in front, arm-in-arm as before.
"Aunt Mary," said Marigold in an excited whisper, "do you notice? There are Farmer Jo and his mother!"
"Yes, so I perceive," Miss Holcroft answered. "Pamela," turning to her sister, "do you see that odd-looking pair?"
Miss Pamela glanced in the direction indicated, and a faint smile crossed her face.
"Certainly I do," she replied, "and I recognise one of them. The old lady is called Mrs. Adams; I met her on one occasion at Mrs. Nowell's."