In the afternoon the lovers went out together on horseback for an
hour or two; and though not wishing to be observed, by reason of
the late death of Lady Luxellian, whose funeral had taken place
very privately on the previous day, they yet found it necessary to
pass East Endelstow Church.
The steps to the vault, as has been stated, were on the outside of
the building, immediately under the aisle wall. Being on
horseback, both Knight and Elfride could overlook the shrubs which
screened the church-yard.
'Look, the vault seems still to be open,' said Knight.
'Yes, it is open,' she answered
'Who is that man close by it? The mason, I suppose?'
'Yes.'
'I wonder if it is John Smith, Stephen's father?'
'I believe it is,' said Elfride, with apprehension.
'Ah, and can it be? I should like to inquire how his son, my
truant protege', is going on. And from your father's description
of the vault, the interior must be interesting. Suppose we go
in.'
'Had we better, do you think? May not Lord Luxellian be there?'
'It is not at all likely.'
Elfride then assented, since she could do nothing else. Her
heart, which at first had quailed in consternation, recovered
itself when she considered the character of John Smith. A quiet
unassuming man, he would be sure to act towards her as before
those love passages with his son, which might have given a more
pretentious mechanic airs.
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