“Didn’t the clergyman say that there would be service in the afternoon now, instead of in the evening?”

“Yes; it changes in winter months always.”

“Why?”

“Because the evenings are so dark, and the poor people from the farms, who have a long way to come, can hardly find their way.”

“Do you always go in the afternoon the same as in the evening?”

“Yes, certainly.”

“May I go with you, please?”

The Squire hesitated.

“I think not to-day—not until I have asked Dr. Lighton what he thinks.”

Bertie looked surprised.