I It was a great day and a solemn when the squire of Matstead went to Protestant communion for the first time.

It was Easter Day, too, but this was less in the consideration of the village.

There was first the minister, Mr.Barton, in a condition of excited geniality from an early hour.

He was observed soon after it was light, by an old man who was up betimes, hurrying up the village street in his minister's cassock and gown, presumably on his way to see that all preparations were complete for the solemnity.

His wife was seen to follow him a few minutes later.
By eight o'clock the inhabitants of the village were assembled at points of vantage; some openly at their doors; others at the windows; and groups from the more distant farms, decked suitably, stood at all corners; to be greeted presently by their minister hurrying back once more from the church to bring the communion vessels and the bread and wine.