I was glad to see that Mr. Lethbridge was not in the least disturbed by the presence of so many distinguished strangers. He read the service in his usual solemn way, for though he was not what could be called a good reader, he was impressive by his evident sincerity.
His text was "Be sure your sin will find you out!"
And he spared nothing in enforcing it, though my lady yawned, whispered, and all but laughed aloud, as did several others of her company. I was glad to see that Mr. Dugdale and his sister took no part in these performances, but withdrew themselves into a corner and listened with respect at least.
My lady treated Mrs. Deborah to a swimming curtsy after service, which Mrs. Deborah returned with a dignified salute, and that was all which passed between them in church. As soon as she reached the porch, my lady called me sharply to her—
"Corbet, why did not you take your proper place as I told you?"
"The gallery was already crowded, my lady!" I answered. "And it is not considered altogether safe. It has not been used for some years."
At this moment Mrs. Deborah's clear voice broke in—
"I shall take it as a favor, madam, if you will allow my niece Corbet to sit with me in church as she has always been used to do. She is of course entitled to the pew which belongs to her father's estate—that next your own, but as it is not agreeable for a young gentlewoman to sit alone, I shall be obliged, if you will give me her company."
Lady Leighton turned her eyes on Mrs. Deborah and tried to stare her down, but it would not do—Mrs. Deborah was more than her match. Every one had heard her words and the visitors were exchanging glances of amusement. She tried to give the matter another turn.
"Certainly, Mrs. Deborah. It shall be as you please—I was not aware that the young person was an acknowledged relative of the family, though I had heard there was some connection. Shall we not see you at the hall, Mrs. Deborah?"