Alison admitted it, characteristically, without explanations.
“It seems so natural to see you here at the old church, after all these years,” the lady went on, and Alison was aware that Mrs. Atterbury questioned—or rather was at a loss for the motives which had led such an apostate back to the fold. “We must thank Mr. Hodder, I suppose. He's very remarkable. I hear he is resuming the services to-day for the first time since June.”
Alison was inclined to read a significance into Mrs. Atterbury's glance at her son, who was clearing his throat.
“But—where is Mr. Parr?” he asked. “I understand he has come back from his cruise.”
“Yes, he is back. I came without—him—-as you see.”
She found a certain satisfaction in adding to the mystification, to the disquietude he betrayed by fidgeting more than usual.
“But—he always comes when he is in town. Business—I suppose—ahem!”
“No,” replied Alison, dropping her bomb with cruel precision, “he has gone to Calvary.”
The agitation was instantaneous.
“To Calvary!” exclaimed mother and son in one breath.