The maids at the windows above, Dick glowering over the half door, the little group which, far back in the kitchen entrance, peeped and rustled, the men at the gate behind, even the boys in the path--all these held their tongues for interest and a kind of fear.

Drama was in the air--the tragedy of seeing the squire come back from church for the first time, bearing himself as he always did, resolute and sturdy, yet changed in his significance after a fashion of which none of these simple hearts had ever dreamed.
So, again in silence, he went up the court, knowing that eyes were upon him, yet showing no sign that he knew it; he went up the steps with the same assured air, and disappeared into the hall.
* * * * * Then the spell broke up and the bustle began, for it was only half an hour to dinner and guests were coming.

First Dick came out, slashing to the door behind him, and strode out to the gate.

He was still in his boots, for he had ridden to Padley and back since early morning with a couple of the maids and the stable-boy.

He went to the gate of the court, the group dissolving as he came, and shut it in their faces.