As they descended into the church, John White was seen standing at the entrance to the gallery in a state of great impatience. He had been kicking his heels, tapping the door-posts with his rule, and amusing himself in sundry such ways for half an hour, while waiting for the party, and now hastened forward to do the honours of her pew to lady F——, pointing out the comforts and elegancies of fire-place, cushioned chairs, curtain, &c. “Is this our seat?” said Letitia. “I do not like it at all.” White stared in amazement. Thérèse was too busy remarking the bareness of a Protestant church to take notice of what was going on. “It is a small, inconvenient church,” added Letitia, “and by no means made the most of. Where do the school children sit?—What! down in that narrow corner? This gallery is the proper place for them. After all your trouble, White, we must have another arrangement.” “And where will your ladyship have all these things shifted?” “Nowhere,” replied she, smiling. “If a fire-place is wanted here at all, it is for the half-clad, and not for those who can wrap themselves in furs; and this show of damask furniture does not beseem the place. I will speak to lord F—— about a pew for us next that of the curate’s family, and fitted up in the same way.” “With matting underfoot, my lady, and dark green cushions, and below stairs too? Well to be sure! But your ladyship will have a curtain hung round?” “I see no use in it. Lord F—— does not sleep at church, or wish to be supposed present when he is not.” “And the earl, and lady Frances,” said Joel, in a whisper. “What will they think, my lady?” “They will, as our guests, be satisfied with our accommodations, Joel. And now show me down, that I may go and arrange this with lord F——, that our pew may be ready by Sunday.” “The old family monuments, my lady.” “I will wait to see those till lord F—— is with me. We will call for you, the first morning he is at liberty. Meanwhile, there is much to study in the churchyard. We shall meet there sometimes, Joel.”