CHAPTER XXVIII.
"The less wit a man has, the less he knows that he wants it." Hester always took charge of the three elder children and Fraeulein of the baby during the six-o'clock service, so that the nurse might go to church.

On this particular Sunday afternoon Hester and the children were waiting in the little hall till the bell stopped, before which moment they were forbidden to leave the house.

Mr.and Mrs.Gresley had just started for the church, Mr.Gresley looking worn and harassed, for since luncheon he had received what he called "a perfectly unaccountable letter" from one of his principal parishioners, a Dissenter, who had been present at the morning service, and who Mr.Gresley had confidently hoped might have been struck by the sermon.

This hope had been justified, but not in the manner Mr.Gresley had expected.

Mr.Walsh opined, in a large round hand, that as worms (twice under-dashed) did not usually pay voluntary church and school rates he no longer felt himself under an obligation to do so, etc.