We entered the gate, Mrs.Petulengro leading the way, and proceeded to a small door near the east end of the church.

As we advanced, the sound of singing within the church rose upon our ears.

Arrived at the small door, Mrs.
Petulengro opened it and entered, followed by Tawno Chikno.

I myself went last of all, following Mr.Petulengro, who, before I entered, turned round, and, with a significant nod, advised me to take care how I behaved.

The part of the church which we had entered was the chancel; on one side stood a number of venerable old men--probably the neighbouring poor--and on the other a number of poor girls belonging to the village school, dressed in white gowns and straw bonnets, whom two elegant but simply dressed young women were superintending.