Then Mr. Banks of Millsby went up into the pulpit and began to preach about another harvest in that desolate and heart-breaking manner common to harvest festival sermons, with reference to those sheaves gathered in during the past year, which caused the ladies of the congregation, already a little emotional, to apply their handkerchiefs and think what a beautiful preacher Mr. Banks was, to be sure.
But there was a little windy sound through the church as if an autumn storm were already brewing, and every one thought “The summer’s over.” But it was not the wind; it was the sigh with which the Spirit of Ancient Revelry fled through the open door.
After the service, Mr. and Miss Banks and Mrs. Stamford and Mrs. Dixon with her daughter Irene spoke together in the porch, and gave to the occasion that air of Church and State greeting each other which the elder people of Gaythorpe still found fitting and pleasant, but the younger ones went out wondering impatiently why others should have motor-cars while they had not.
“Well, good-bye; sorry you won’t stay supper,” said Andy’s cheerful voice, and the Bankses departed in their waiting cart.
“No moon to-night—hope to see you on Wednesday next!” shouted Mr. Banks back, already on the road.
“Good-night! Good-night!”
The lanes were full of that, and of cheerful voices, for a little while, and then the stars looked down on quiet hedgerows where the dew fell silently.
Mrs. Dixon and the girls had supper with Andy, and when that lady said to Mrs. Jebb, “This is a delightful spot, isn’t it, Mrs. Jebb?” she really meant, “See what I have done for you.” And when Mrs. Jebb answered, “Delightful, but dull, of course,” she really meant. “I could get plenty of other situations, but I am glad to oblige you.”
Then Phyllis, who looked flushed and excited after the walk she had taken while they were all at church, said it was time to go. And as her suggestions were usually acted upon, they went; but while Mrs. Dixon was speaking with Andy, the two sisters had a few words together beneath the snorting of the hired motor.
“Were you out walking all the time?” said Irene.