The new squire
was an elderly man, hearty and good-natured, who did not seem at all
disposed to interfere with any one on the estate. He was a
Presbyterian, and was shocked to find that the church had been unused
for three years. He had it cleaned from the accumulation of dirt and
rubbish, the broken windows mended with plain glass, and the altar
table put down in the nave, as it had been before Mr. Holworth's
time; and he presented to the living Mr. Woodley, a scholarly-looking
person, who wore a black gown and collar and bands.
The Elmwood folk were pleased to have prayers and sermon again, and
Patience was glad that the children should not grow up like heathens;
but her first church going did not satisfy her entirely.
"It is all strange," she said to Stead, who had stayed with the
cattle. "He had no book, and it was all out of his own head, not a
bit like old times."
"Of course not," said Emlyn. "He had got no surplice, and I knew him
for a prick-eared Roundhead! I should have run off home if you had
not held me, Patience.
Pages:
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187