"Died. December 28th, 1916."
As hastily, she placed the sheet of blotting-paper above the entries, closed the Bible, and replaced it upon its table.
Having shut up the parlour, she lit a lamp and carried it upstairs. The baby was asleep. The nurse went home for the night. Then Mrs. Yellam told Fancy, in a cheerful voice, that she would bring up tea in a few minutes.
"I thought I heard Uncle," said Fancy.
"Yes; he looked in and made some stupid jokes, he did, about gettin' the miller's boat."
"Whatever for?"
"Like as not we may be on an island afore nightfall."
Fancy smiled.
"I'd love to ride in miller's boat again. Alfred popped the question in that. I did tease him first. 'Twas rare fun. I suppose Uncle was in fine fettle, as usual?"
"Yes; I never seen him so gay and joyous. Now, you lie so quiet as any mouse whilst I gets tea."