This explanation was listened to with profound attention by everybody in the room; and I was glad I had an opportunity of giving it, as I felt sure that some rumors must have got about; and it was better they should hear my version of the story. Then Mrs. Manners said she hoped Mr. Reade would not desert them at the last; and he promised to come and help, but said she must not expect him to sell pen-wipers. “You are going to have a much grander affair than usual, I hear,” he ended--“more like a regular bazaar.” “It sounds ungracious to say so,” she returned, rather anxiously, “but I am rather sorry that we have not kept to the old simple custom. Still, when Lady Mills offered a marquee, and to come herself and help to sell, and to bring her friends, we were obliged to make a difference. And then the band from Beaconsburgh--” She stopped, for it was old Mr. Reade who had offered to provide that. “Ah, that’s my father’s fault!” the young man put in, laughing. “He’s a wicked old fellow, wanting to corrupt the rustic simplicity of the parish in his old age.” His elder sister said “Laurence!” reprovingly. Mrs. Manners went on. “And, if Lady Mills comes on the drag, she’ll bring a lot of idle young men”--Miss Lane and the younger Miss Reade looked up--“and there will be nothing to amuse them, for we have only one set of lawn-tennis--I think we must charge a penny a game for that”--in a practical tone--“and they will expect champagne and--” “Oh, Lady Mills will bring that!” said Mr. Reade confidently, as if he had been on that drag with those idle young men himself. “But Lady Mills and her set are not the style of people that Geldham is accustomed to,” said Mrs. Manners, in a superior tone. “Oh, no!” assented Mr. Reade gravely. “And they will make fun of everything; and the treat is after all for the village-people; and I don’t want those fast gentlemen from London to get talking to the village-girls.” “I don’t think they will want to do so, Mrs. Manners, I don’t indeed,” said Mr. Reade. “They are all good girls, those who will help at the treat--the first class at the Sunday-school.” “Oh, those! Then I am sure you need not be afraid.” “And they will want to amuse themselves, and take up the time of the sellers, your sisters and Miss Christie and--” “I’ll keep them off, Mrs. Manners. The sellers shall not be teased by any impertinent and trifling young men. I’ll devote myself to looking after them.” Simple Mrs. Manners, who had been in deep earnest all the time, began to have a suspicion that there was a lurking mirthfulness under Mr. Reade’s gravity; so she said severely-- “You will have to work, not to play, if you come, Mr. Reade, and set a good example to the others.” “I will; but I sincerely hope they will not all follow it,” said he, in a laughing tone; then he turned and looked at me and made me blush. And in the slight bustle of departure he whispered to me-- “Wait, and I’ll come back and take you home.”