Nell stood for a few seconds uncertain what to do or say. Her mind was in a tumult. She had imagined many things as to Douglas' identity, but never once had she suspected him of being a clergyman.
"There are the hymns," she at length told him, steadying her voice as much as possible. "It is service time, and the people are getting impatient."
Without another word she walked out of the vestry. She tried to be calm, but her hands trembled as she began to play, and it appeared to her that all must notice her agitation. Never had the church seemed so hot, and she longed to be away by herself that she might think over the startling discovery.
There was almost a sensation in the church that afternoon when Douglas appeared and gave out the opening hymn. An intense silence ensued, broken only by the sweet organ notes. Very few in the congregation thought of singing, as they were too busy whispering to one another. Jake Jukes stood dumbfounded. He could not believe his eyes, and paid no heed to his wife who kept nudging his arm. Empty's mouth was wide open and his eyes were fairly starting out of his head. His mother, too, was greatly affected, and her hand trembled so much that she could hardly hold her hymn book. Even Joe Benton forgot to follow the words, and gazed intently upon the clergyman.
But the greatest feeling of consternation was in the pew where the Stubbles sat. They were all there except Ben, and the sisters were dressed in their finest. For once they forgot about their clothes, and stared with undisguised wonder upon the white-robed man before them. Simon Stubbles stood like a statue. It had taken him only an instant to comprehend the whole situation. He knew now why the clergyman had come to Rixton disguised as a farm-hand. It was to spy out the land, and to ascertain what was the trouble in Church matters. Fear and anger were blended as he watched Douglas' every movement, and a deep sigh escaped his lips as he realised his helplessness.
No one slept during the sermon that day. Nell was the only one who did not hear it all. She knew that Douglas was explaining his reasons for coming to Rixton in disguise, and he explained them well. But her mind wandered, and she thought of many things which had happened during the past weeks and which at the time had puzzled her. But now she saw them in a different light. Her attention was arrested as Douglas began to tell why he was not coming to the parish as rector. The war had made the change. He had offered to go to the front as chaplain, and he had been accepted. His friend, Charles Garton, was raising a battalion and men were being called to the Colours. "How many will go from this parish?" he asked in conclusion. "Many of you are of Loyalist descent, so I believe, and you cannot easily forget what your ancestors endured in their devotion to the flag of the clustered crosses. All that the old flag stands for is now at stake, and every one must do his part to keep it floating as proudly as of yore. I now challenge the young men of this parish to enlist as soon as possible, and unite with the battalion which is being formed in the city. If you do, I shall be your chaplain, and a great pleasure it will be for us to go overseas together to support the brave men who are so anxiously awaiting the Column of Relief. Do not delay. Make up your minds at once. The need is great. Your King and country are calling you."
Never had Nell heard such singing in that old church as she did in the closing hymn of "Onward, Christian Soldiers." All sang it with a new spirit and a power that could not be mistaken. The sermon had made a deep impression, and it was discussed for weeks afterwards.
When the service was over, Douglas was at once surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd, for every one wished to shake hands with him and give him a word of welcome. He mentally compared this reception with his first arrival in the parish. It was really a victory, and he felt that should he remain he would not be lacking in loyal supporters.
But there was one person Douglas wished to see most of all, and as soon as he could free himself from the throng, he turned around toward the organ. But he looked in vain, for Nell was not there, neither was she anywhere in the church.