He saw the gathering in the park, however, had heard something about the ceremony, concluded they were assisting, and, after a little questioning with himself, led his horse to the gate, made fast the reins to it, went in, and approached the little assembly.

Ere he reached it, he saw them kneel, whereupon he made a circuit and got behind a tree, for he would not willingly seem rude, and he dared not be hypocritical.

Thence he descried Juliet kneeling with the rest, and could not help being rather annoyed.

Neither could he help being a little struck with the unusual kind of prayer the curate was making; for he spoke as to the God of workmen, the God of invention and creation, who made the hearts of his creatures so like his own that they must build and make.
When the observance was over, and the people were scattering in groups, till they should be summoned to the repast prepared for them, the rector caught sight of the doctor, and went to him.
"Ha, Faber!" he cried, holding out his hand, "this _is_ kind of you! I should hardly have expected you to be present on such an occasion!" "I hoped my presence would not offend you," answered the doctor.

"I did not presume to come closer than just within earshot of your devotions.
Neither must you think me unfriendly for keeping aloof." "Certainly not.