We have strength given us that makes the single champion of the cross, powerful against the legion of his adversaries.' 'Very well said, nephew,' broke in the vicar, 'Marathon, Thermopylae, Platea--' 'I am afraid we are keeping you from your dinner, Mrs Prothero,' interrupted Mr Gwynne, who had a nervous dread of the vicar's antiquities, whether in war or peace.

'Freda, I think we must go.' Freda rose from her seat, and shook hands very warmly with Mr and Mrs Prothero.

She had made up her mind to do the same with Rowland; but just as she approached the door near which he had been standing, he said he would go out and see whether the carriages were ready, and did so accordingly.

They followed him as soon as the leave-takings were over, and found him waiting at the gate.

He immediately assisted Lady Mary and Miss Nugent into their carriage, leaving Colonel Vaughan to perform the same office for Miss Gwynne and Miss Hall.