“He is a fine fellow. Given to use a spiritual sledge-hammer, perhaps, but the implements of the Lord are many and varied. Far be it from me to gainsay the good work done by the dissenting congregations. If there were more chapels, there would be more churches in the land, Mrs. Saumarez.”
They had strolled away from the girls, and little did the vicar dream what deeps they had skirted in their talk.
Angèle led Elsie to the swing.
“Try this,” she said. “It’s just lovely to feel the air sizzing past your ears.”
“I have a swing,” said Elsie, “but not like this one. It is a single rope, with a little crossbar, which I hold in my hands and propel with my feet. It is hard work, I assure you.”
“Grand Dieu! So I should think.”
“Oh!” cried Elsie, “you shouldn’t say that.”
“Vous me faites rire! You speak French?”
“Yes—a little.”