"Father Forbes will be here in a minute.

Do you know is it too late ?" Even as she spoke, the outer doorway was darkened by the commanding bulk of a newcomer's figure.

The flash of a silk hat, and the deferential way in which the assembled neighbors fell back to clear a passage, made his identity clear.

Theron felt his blood tingle in an unaccustomed way as this priest of a strange church advanced across the room--a broad-shouldered, portly man of more than middle height, with a shapely, strong-lined face of almost waxen pallor, and a firm, commanding tread.
He carried in his hands, besides his hat, a small leather-bound case.

To this and to him the women courtesied and bowed their heads as he passed.
"Come with me," whispered the tall girl with the parasol to Theron; and he found himself pushing along in her wake until they intercepted the priest just outside the bedroom door.