So without much alarm she took
Knight's arm after dismounting, and went with him between and over
the graves. The master-mason recognized her as she approached,
and, as usual, lifted his hat respectfully.
'I know you to be Mr. Smith, my former friend Stephen's father,'
said Knight, directly he had scanned the embrowned and ruddy
features of John.
'Yes, sir, I b'lieve I be.'
'How is your son now? I have only once heard from him since he
went to India. I daresay you have heard him speak of me--Mr.
Knight, who became acquainted with him some years ago in
Exonbury.'
'Ay, that I have. Stephen is very well, thank you, sir, and he's
in England; in fact, he's at home. In short, sir, he's down in
the vault there, a-looking at the departed coffins.'
Elfride's heart fluttered like a butterfly.
Knight looked amazed. 'Well, that is extraordinary.' he murmured.
'Did he know I was in the parish?'
'I really can't say, sir,' said John, wishing himself out of the
entanglement he rather suspected than thoroughly understood.
'Would it be considered an intrusion by the family if we went into
the vault?'
'Oh, bless ye, no, sir; scores of folk have been stepping down.
'Tis left open a-purpose.'
'We will go down, Elfride.'
'I am afraid the air is close,' she said appealingly.
'Oh no, ma'am,' said John. 'We white-limed the walls and arches
the day 'twas opened, as we always do, and again on the morning of
the funeral; the place is as sweet as a granary.
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