"Yes, Mrs. Reding," said Bateman; "but by ancestors I meant the holy Bishops and other members of our Catholic Church previously to the Reformation. For, though the Reformation was a great blessing" (a glance at Charles), "yet we must not, in justice, forget what was done by English Churchmen before it."
"Ah, poor creatures," said Mrs. Reding, "they did one good thing in building churches; it has saved us much trouble."
"Is there much church-restoration going on in these parts?" said Bateman, taken rather aback.
"My mother has but lately come here, like yourself," said Charles; "yes, there is some; Barton Church, you know," appealing to Mary.
"Have your walks extended so far as Barton?" said Mary to Bateman.
"Not yet, Miss Reding, not yet," answered he; "of course they are destroying the pews."
"They are to put in seats," said Charles, "and of a very good pattern."
"Pews are intolerable," said Bateman; "yet the last generation of incumbents contentedly bore them; it is wonderful!"
A not unnatural silence followed this speech. Charles broke it by asking if Bateman intended to do anything in the improvement line at Melford.
Bateman looked modest.