[CHAPTER XV.]
UNDER THE ELMS AGAIN.
THE few years which bring young things wonderfully forward make very little perceptible difference in elderly trees, excepting perhaps to increase their luxuriance, and expand their shadow.
Be that as it may, while boys and girls were assuming the attributes of men and women-kind, the same portly landlord, and the same garrulous sexton still smoked their pipes beneath the Elms, and discussed the affairs of the country in general, and of the Falcon Range in particular, while over the Inn door swung the same honoured sign, the annual revival of which had at last resulted in the production of a new species of the feathered tribe.
The discovery of the old bureau had not lessened Mr. Spadeley's pride in the tenantry of the Falcon Range, who, he averred, could never so far forget themselves as to secrete anything likely to benefit the old family; and the delinquent proving after all to be one of Mr. Freakes' perverts, supplied him with texts for many a profitable homily on straightforwardness and honesty among the village listeners.
Mr. Freakes rejoiced in medieval ease, performed his little fasts and penances unquestioned, so long as he did not inflict them upon other people, and shrugged his shoulders with infinite contempt for the unappreciative rustics amongst whom he had been sent to try an unsuccessful experiment. His beautiful little chapel was one of the curiosities on view when arrangers visited the neighbourhood, and peeping and staring with amusement or amazement at his very unapostolic costumes was the utmost tribute he could win for himself and his Popish pretensions; while Mr. Herbert's diligent and devoted care of the parish and people afforded him no opening for assuming any want, or supplying any deficiency.
The people did not take kindly to confession and penance, and matins and vespers, especially in hay-making and harvest, and declared that six days work and one day's blessed rest was the Lord's own way, and no son of the Pope could improve upon it. And if he came making new laws for honest folk, maybe they would follow his example, "and make one that showed nearest road to the horsepond afore he'd done tellin' 'is beads." And as Mr. Freakes thought himself too useful for immediate martyrdom, he wisely forbore to press matters to extremity.
"Here they come! Here they are!" cried the landlord of the Falconer's Arms, throwing down his pipe, and snatching off his hat, joined heart and voice in the shout which came floating on the air from the entrance of the village.
And in a few moments, he and the sexton, with other of the seniors, were amidst the noisy escort of Guy Falconer, as he rode between the Squire and Mr. Herbert on his return home after his long absence in the pursuit of study. His improved appearance and pleasant manner elicited warmer and louder demonstrations of delight, as with outstretched hand, and grateful smile, he sought to convey to the kind hearts around him his appreciation of their welcome.
The generous Squire was well content to come in second on such an occasion, and felt as proudly pleased at the sensation excited by the return of his young friend as if he had been a Falconer himself.