Blackstable is six miles from Tercanbury, which is a cathedral city and has a cavalry dépôt.
'I've seen her hanging about the barracks with my own eyes,' said Mrs Howlett, 'but I never suspected anything.'
'Shocking! isn't it?' said Miss Reed, with suppressed delight.
'But how did you find out?' asked Mrs Howlett.
'Ssh!' whispered Miss Reed—the widow, in her excitement, had raised her voice a little and Miss Reed could never suffer the least irreverence in church.... 'She never came back last night, and George Browning saw them get into the London train at Tercanbury.'
'Well, I never!' exclaimed Mrs Howlett.
'D'you think the Griffiths'll have the face to come to church?'
'I shouldn't if I was them,' said Miss Reed.
But at that moment the vestry door was opened and the organ began to play the hymn.
'I'll see you afterwards,' Miss Reed whispered hurriedly; and rising from their seats, both ladies began to sing,—