The crowd of vessels in harbour bore their flags half-mast high; and the crews were making their way through the High Street.
The gentlefolk of Monkshaven, full of indignation at this interference with their ships, full of sympathy with the family who had lost their son and brother almost within sight of his home, came in unusual numbers--no lack of patterns for Sylvia; but her thoughts were far otherwise and more suitably occupied.

The unwonted sternness and solemnity visible on the countenances of all whom she met awed and affected her.

She did not speak in reply to Molly's remarks on the dress or appearance of those who struck her.

She felt as if these speeches jarred on her, and annoyed her almost to irritation; yet Molly had come all the way to Monkshaven Church in her service, and deserved forbearance accordingly.

The two mounted the steps alongside of many people; few words were exchanged, even at the breathing places, so often the little centres of gossip.
Looking over the sea there was not a sail to be seen; it seemed bared of life, as if to be in serious harmony with what was going on inland.
The church was of old Norman architecture; low and massive outside: inside, of vast space, only a quarter of which was filled on ordinary Sundays.