I'll stand back and see you pass out, and observe the effect of the spectacle upon myself as one of the public.' Then Lucy and her husband laughed, and Barnet laughed and retired; and the quiet little party went gliding down the nave and towards the porch, Lucy's new silk dress sweeping with a smart rustle round the base-mouldings of the ancient font, and Downe's little daughters following in a state of round-eyed interest in their position, and that of Lucy, their teacher and friend.
So Downe was comforted after his Emily's death, which had taken place twelve months, two weeks, and three days before that time.
When the two flys had driven off and the spectators had vanished, Barnet followed to the door, and went out into the sun.

He took no more trouble to preserve a spruce exterior; his step was unequal, hesitating, almost convulsive; and the slight changes of colour which went on in his face seemed refracted from some inward flame.

In the churchyard he became pale as a summer cloud, and finding it not easy to proceed he sat down on one of the tombstones and supported his head with his hand.
Hard by was a sexton filling up a grave which he had not found time to finish on the previous evening.

Observing Barnet, he went up to him, and recognizing him, said, 'Shall I help you home, sir ?' 'O no, thank you,' said Barnet, rousing himself and standing up.

The sexton returned to his grave, followed by Barnet, who, after watching him awhile, stepped into the grave, now nearly filled, and helped to tread in the earth.
The sexton apparently thought his conduct a little singular, but he made no observation, and when the grave was full, Barnet suddenly stopped, looked far away, and with a decided step proceeded to the gate and vanished.