It had been arranged that the party at the hotel should breakfast at eight and start at half-past eight punctually, so as to enable them to reach Chaldicotes in ample time to arrange their dresses before they went to church.

The church stood in the grounds, close to that long formal avenue of lime trees, but within the front gates.

Their walk, therefore, after reaching Mr.Sowerby's house, would not be long.
Mrs.Proudie, who was herself an early body, would not hear of her guest--and he a clergyman--going out to the inn for his breakfast on a Sunday morning.

As regarded that Sabbath-day journey to Chaldicotes, to that she had given her assent, no doubt with much uneasiness of mind; but let them have as little desecration as possible.

It was therefore an understood thing that he was to return with his friends; but he should not go without the advantage of family prayers and family breakfast.