"Perhaps not," he answered. "Possibly the singing may be more hearty in consequence. But I have no doubt that the Councillors will miss it, and I hope may feel a little ashamed. Nothing really could have happened more conveniently than a choir strike at the moment, as it is only the third Sunday after the concerts have been set on foot. If the men were going to absent themselves it is as well it should be done at once." Rachel felt a little uneasy. "But of course you would like a choir if you could get one," she said. "I don't think so," he answered. "But," said Rachel, a little breathlessly, "if some girls were willing to come and sing you would not object, would you?" Luke had been watching the rain which was coming down in torrents, but at Rachel's question he turned round sharply towards her. "I should very much object," he said rising from the table. "It would frustrate any little good that may come of the strike. I hope no-one intends to fill their places." Rachel turned pale. A sudden mad idea of going round to every girl she had called on that afternoon and asking them not to come crossed her mind, in the hope that Luke would never find out what she had done. But she put the suggestion away at once, not only because to do so in such a short time as she had at her disposal was impossible, but because it would be a cowardly thing to do. She must confess at once what she had been doing. "I'm afraid you will be vexed," she said looking him straight in the face. "But I have got a choir of girls together and they will be at the church to-night." Luke did not speak but stood looking at his wife, a look that Rachel did not understand. But it had the effect of making her say steadily, and with dignity: "I did it for your sake Luke. I knew how much you would feel the loss of your choir." "Another time," said Luke slowly, and with a smile that somehow hurt Rachel more than any number of words could have done, "I hope you will ask my advice before acting." He moved towards the door. "Luke, just wait a minute," said Rachel, "If only you had talked over with me about the choir I probably would have been wiser. But I only knew from Polly that the men were not coming. I wish, oh I wish you would talk things over with me. You never tell me anything." Luke stood with his hand on the door. He looked round at his wife's words. The sight of her anxious face touched him. "I am sure that you thought you were doing wisely," he said, "but you see that my hopes are absolutely frustrated. They will say, if you can get another choir together so easily let the men off the evening service. You must not be surprised at my disappointment and indeed vexation. But before you do anything rash another time ask me, or indeed my mother. She could have given you excellent advice, and knowing all the circumstances she would not be so likely to make a mistake." Rachel rose, she felt now was her opportunity to speak of what had been long on her mind.