"Yes," put in the lady referred to. "Yes, your old man asked me, and I accepted, because I have got such loads and loads and loads to tell you about that grand vilyun. Didn't he come nigh doing for that lamb? Never mind, honey"--this to the half-conscious Odalite--"I know it seems hard for you, 'specially if you was fond of him--though why you should 'a' been--Lord! Anyhow, bad as it is now, it would 'a' been a heap worse if he'd 'a' married you and then you'd found out as he had another wife a-living."
Odalite took no notice of this speech. Wynnette answered:
"Oh, you needn't fret your nerves to fiddle strings about that--I mean you need not distress yourself, ma'am. She hates him, and so do I. And so does Elva. In spite of prayer book and catechism, we hate him. We can't help it."
"Eh? What's that you say?" inquired Mrs. Anglesea. "You hate him? Then why, in the name o' common sense, did she want to marry, and you all let her, for?"
"It was Old Scratch's doings--I mean it was Satanic agency," Wynnette explained.
At this moment Leonidas Force came up, and said to his cousin:
"The carriages are ready sir. I spoke to the rector, sir, and, with his leave, had them brought around to the vestry door, so that you can all go out that way, and avoid the crowd."
"Thank you, Le. Dear, kind fellow! It was very good and thoughtful of you. Come, love. Come, children. Le, give your arm to this lady. Mrs. Anglesea, let me introduce my relative, Mr. Leonidas Force."
"Oh, Lord! I know the fellow. Knew him before I knew you," said the woman, very unceremoniously appropriating Le's arm.
Mr. and Mrs. Force led the way, supporting their drooping daughter between them.
And Miss Meeke and the two little girls brought up the rear.
They passed through the chancel into the vestry, where they found the rector had preceded them, to wait and offer such sympathetic condolence as he might.
"What do you think of this baseness, reverend sir?" inquired Mr. Force.
"It may be premature to judge before all the evidence is in, but it seems as if your late guest is an impostor, if not a criminal."
"I feel sure that there can be no doubt upon that subject."
"If I can be of any service, pray command me at any time," said the rector.