"We have no congratulations to offer on its completion," said Maude, gravely, "but we are duly surprised at the speed with which it has been erected."
"And the wonderful fact of a congregation already!" added Evelyn, mischievously, as the three aged villagers passed solemnly out.
"There was no reason for delay, when the death of Sir Ryland left his son at liberty to carry out his pious design," replied the priest; "and as for the congregation, the people are not yet prepared for the privileges which the Church offers in her observance of holy-days."
"Mr. Freakes, why don't you put things in the right light?" said Evelyn. "You should have said, 'as his advisers thought proper.' Everybody knows that the poor young gentleman is weak, and had no more thought of building a Roman Catholic Church than of building Noah's ark, until you put it into his head."
"Then you should estimate the advantage of wise advisers, and rejoice that the young gentleman is susceptible to such influence," replied the priest. "But can I not prevail on you even to ride round the church? The view will well repay your trouble, and you can prepare Mr. Guy for the new object in his landscape, when he returns to paint it."
"Not omitting the picturesque effect of the congregation slowly descending its marble steps, and the great encouragement to be derived from such an appreciative audience! We have an errand near, or we had not known these facts so soon."
"Possibly you will feel a little more respect for the facts, if I inform you that I am not ignorant of your errand, Miss Hazelwood; that perhaps I can be of service to you, and may find a clue to the bureau where you cannot."
And Mr. Freakes seemed to enjoy the momentary surprise he had caused.
But Maude quickly perceived his meaning, and merely replying that they sought information only by honourable means such as British subjects should employ, they bowed and rode on
"Oh, Evelyn!" she cried. "Ought not this sight to stir us up to work as we have never worked yet?"