“The people will be very much disappointed at missing the pageantry,” remarked the curate.
“I do not think Mr. and Mrs. Randolph Hay cared for display. I am a little surprised that it should have been thought of in connection with them,” said Longman, reflectively.
“Why, man alive, it was by the squire’s own orders, without the slightest suggestion from anybody here!” laughed the curate.
“It was not like him. A more modest and unpretending gentleman I do not know anywhere in this world!” persisted Longman.
The curate repressed an inclination to utter a long, low whistle; but he did say to himself: “So much for the blindness of prejudice.”
“Oh! I have just thought of it! I will tell you why I think the triumphal entry was abandoned!” exclaimed Hetty.
“Why?” inquired her husband.
“Why, on account of the death of the rector.”
“Oh! to be sure! that was it; though it was a more gracious thought than I should have given the man credit for,” added Mr. Campbell.
At this moment Elspeth came in, smiling. She had been absent much longer than they had expected her to be; for she had not only prepared the little spare bedroom for her son, but she had washed up all her dishes and done all her usual evening work. She carried a lighted candle in a low, broad brass candlestick. She courtesied to the ladies and gentleman, as was her custom, and then she said to her boy: