They stood by the altar-rail in silence, Christine's skirt visibly quivering at each beat of her heart.
Presently a quick step ground upon the gravel, and Mr.Bealand came round by the front.

He was a quiet bachelor, courteous towards Christine, and not at first recognizing in Nicholas a neighbouring yeoman (for he lived aloofly in the next parish), advanced to her without revealing any surprise at her unusual request.

But in truth he was surprised, the keen interest taken by many country young women at the present day in church decoration and festivals being then unknown.
'Good morning,' he said; and repeated the same words to Nicholas more mechanically.
'Good morning,' she replied gravely.

'Mr.Bealand, I have a serious reason for asking you to meet me--us, I may say.

We wish you to marry us.' The rector's gaze hardened to fixity, rather between than upon either of them, and he neither moved nor replied for some time.
'Ah!' he said at last.
'And we are quite ready.' 'I had no idea--' 'It has been kept rather private,' she said calmly.
'Where are your witnesses ?' 'They are outside in the meadow, sir.