"We would like to be informed if we had a traitor in our house, and at least test him for ourselves; and we should for our Master's honour, and our people's welfare, desire to keep reverently the Lord's Day."
"Very true, dear wife; but what then? Would'st have me meddle with other men's matters, and get into hot water with Sir Ryland, who seems to care little what goes on in his name?"
"'If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me,'" said Dorothy Hazelwood, very softly. "'And whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words—'"
"Dolly, that must not be. I will ascertain the truth of what I have heard, first, and then ride over for a quiet talk with Sir Ryland. He may perhaps take it kindly, seeing they are shooting and fishing in my preserves without asking leave, and I have not complained; but if they are poaching on my Masters' rights and defying His commands, why that's another matter, and ought to be seen to."
But the tutor had succeeded in so far ingratiating himself with the Baronet and his son as to secure a deaf ear to any suggestion of distrust. The visit to the Romish chapel was "merely one of curiosity," though they had spent the day among priests, and joined in some imposing ceremonies. The sports, too, in the Park were most innocent and suitable, not interfering with anyone who preferred Sunday school, and merely keeping young men and boys from lounging about the lanes. Sir Ryland was very much obliged; was sure his neighbour's interest was well meant; but considered himself quite able to judge of a tutor, and take care of his own family.
"Well, my Lord fared no better—nay, much worse—for speaking the truth," thought the Squire, as he rode home somewhat discouraged, until greeted by the warm earnest approval of his wife.
"Thou hast been faithful in little, and He in whose name you went, hath hearkened and noted it, dear husband. 'In His favour is life,' and 'the friendship of this world is enmity against Him.'"
The schools prospered, and the right agents were found, and Sir Ryland's offer to join the Squire in building a handsome church provided he might make the first presentation, was respectfully declined; whereupon the Baronet talked of erecting one in his own grounds to accommodate his own tenantry, and keep them from "the narrow-minded" teaching at Pine-wood End. But happily for them, his finances were not in the most flourishing condition, and Mr. Freakes was not so much admired and trusted in the neighbourhood as he considered due to his patronage and interest.
