A footman and a groom came next, leaving trails of pomatum in the air.

Presently General Pendyce, in a high square-topped bowler hat, carrying a malacca cane, and Prayer-Book, appeared walking between Bee and Norah, also carrying Prayer-Books, with fox-terriers by their sides.
Lastly, the Squire in a high hat, six or seven paces in advance of his wife, in a small velvet toque.
The rooks had ceased their wheeling and their cawing; the five-minutes bell, with its jerky, toneless tolling, alone broke the Sunday hush.
An old horse, not yet taken up from grass, stood motionless, resting a hind-leg, with his face turned towards the footpath.

Within the churchyard wicket the Rector, firm and square, a low-crowned hat tilted up on his bald forehead, was talking to a deaf old cottager.

He raised his hat and nodded to the ladies; then, leaving his remark unfinished, disappeared within the vestry.

At the organ Mrs.Barter was drawing out stops in readiness to play her husband into church, and her eyes, half-shining and half-anxious, were fixed intently on the vestry door.
The Squire and Mrs.Pendyce, now almost abreast, came down the aisle and took their seats beside their daughters and the General in the first pew on the left.