“Yes, yes,” said Mace, excitedly, “and what did he say?”
“Bade me look after people’s souls and let them look after their bodies themselves.”
“Ay,” said Mace, with a sigh, “it is what he would say.”
“Sir Mark has been here to me about—about—”
“The wedding?” said Mace. “Speak out, Master Peasegood, I am ready to hear aught of thee.”
“Yes, my child. He came in his big commanding way to say that he should require me to be ready at a certain time.”
“Yes, and you—what did you say?”
“That I would sooner—”
“Speak! Pray tell me,” cried Mace, passionately; “you torture me, you are so slow.”
“I said an unkindly thing, my child,” replied Master Peasegood, sadly. “I said that I would rather read the burial service over thee than wed thee to such as he.”