"I thank 'ee most politely for coming and calling, and I wish 'ee good day, Mrs. Hanson!"
He stood watching the tall upright figure down the road.
"Her be ageing," he said to himself, "ageing her be."
He went back into the cottage and closed the door after him. He took the Bible and placed it on the small round table in the window, on the Bible he laid an antimacassar, on that a small glass case containing some flowers contrived in wool.
Then he stood still, he lifted his hands so that they were between him and the light, he looked at them as though examining them curiously.
"A very pleasant spoken gentleman he be!" And then he laughed curiously.
CHAPTER XXX
THE RELIGION OF SIR JOSIAH
From Kathleen's window the garden glowing in the white sunshine was a feast of vivid colour. To-day old Markabee, in clean smock and respectable though ancient high hat, had wended his way to the village church, in obedience to the persistent clanging of the unmusical bell. But the bell was silent now, its noisy clamour was stilled and the peace and calm of the day of rest brooded over the place.
Kathleen sat, her chin resting on her hands, her eyes fixed on the old garden, yet seeing nothing of it.