“Eh? What’s that you say?” inquired Mrs. Anglesea. “You hate him? Then why, in the name o’ common sense, did she want to marry, and you all let her, for?”
“It was Old Scratch’s doings—I mean it was Satanic agency,” Wynnette explained.
At this moment Leonidas Force came up, and said to his cousin:
“The carriages are ready sir. I spoke to the rector, sir, and, with his leave, had them brought around to the vestry door, so that you can all go out that way, and avoid the crowd.”
“Thank you, Le. Dear, kind fellow! It was very good and thoughtful of you. Come, love. Come, children. Le, give your arm to this lady. Mrs. Anglesea, let me introduce my relative, Mr. Leonidas Force.”
“Oh, Lord! I know the fellow. Knew him before I knew you,” said the woman, very unceremoniously appropriating Le’s arm.
Mr. and Mrs. Force led the way, supporting their drooping daughter between them.
Le followed with the California lady.
And Miss Meeke and the two little girls brought up the rear.
They passed through the chancel into the vestry, where they found the rector had preceded them, to wait and offer such sympathetic condolence as he might.