Even Maimie could notice the difference, but she could only wonder.

The secret of it was hidden from her.

Her aunt was like no other woman that she knew, and there were many things about her too deep for Maimie's understanding.
After worship, which was brief but solemn and intense, Lambert hurried to bring round to the front the big black horse, hitched up in the carryall, and they all made speed to pack themselves in, Maimie and her aunt in front, and Hughie on the floor behind with his legs under the seat; for when once the minister was himself quite ready, and had got his great meerschaum pipe going, it was unsafe for any one to delay him a single instant.
The drive to the church was an experience hardly in keeping with the spirit of the day.

It was more exciting than restful.

Black was a horse with a single aim, which was to devour the space that stretched out before him, with a fine disregard of consequence.