“I really can’t say, sir,” said John, wishing himself out of the entanglement he rather suspected than thoroughly understood.
“Would it be considered an intrusion by the family if we went into the vault?”
“Oh, bless ye, no, sir; scores of folk have been stepping down. ’Tis left open a-purpose.”
“We will go down, Elfride.”
“I am afraid the air is close,” she said appealingly.
“Oh no, ma’am,” said John. “We white-limed the walls and arches the day ’twas opened, as we always do, and again on the morning of the funeral; the place is as sweet as a granary.
“Then I should like you to accompany me, Elfie; having originally sprung from the family too.”
“I don’t like going where death is so emphatically present. I’ll stay by the horses whilst you go in; they may get loose.”
“What nonsense! I had no idea your sentiments were so flimsily formed as to be perturbed by a few remnants of mortality; but stay out, if you are so afraid, by all means.”
“Oh no, I am not afraid; don’t say that.”