But these ladies had really very little to communicate.
Then the curiosity of the crowd took another direction.
“We were all invited to the wedding reception, but, of course, we are not expected to go now,” said Mrs. Hedge.
“But it might seem like an offense if we didn’t,” suggested Miss Grandiere.
And people were divided on the subject until the rector appeared, requested a hearing, and, with the apologies and regrets of Mr. and Mrs. Force, announced that there could be no reception held at Mondreer that day.
So, at length, the congregation reluctantly separated and went home.
CHAPTER XXIII
MRS. ANGLESEA’S VISIT
It was late in the winter afternoon when Mr. and Mrs. Force, with their family and guest, reached Mondreer.