s no lack of enthusiasm. I do not think there are any cities
in the world with the same public spirit and pride in local customs that
one may find in the grimy towns of Lancashire. The enthusiasm is, however,
part of their inhabitants' nature, and has nothing to do with the dismal
surroundings.

A haze of smoke had mingled with the rain; yellow gas jets blinked through
it, though it would not be dark for an hour or so yet; and the grim,
smoke-blackened houses seemed trickling with water. Still every one
laughed and chattered with good-humored expectancy, even the many who had
no umbrellas. It was hard work to reach the church, though I opined that
all the multitude did not intend to venture within, and when once I saw my
uncle with a wand in his hand I carefully avoided him. Martin Lorimer was
a power and well liked in that town, but I had not driven ten miles to
assist him. Then I waited among the jostling crowd in a fever of
impatience, wondering whether Miss Carrington had yet gone in, until at
last I saw the Colonel marching through the throng, which--and knowing the
temperament of our people I wondered at it--made way for him. There were
others of the party behind, and my heart leaped at the sight of Grace. She
was walking beside Captain Ormond, who smiled down at her.

Then, just as the Colonel passed within, a burst of cheering broke out,
and in the mad scramble for the entrance Grace, who turned a moment to
recover the cloak she dropped, was separated from her companion. He was
driven forward in the thickest part of the stream of excited human beings,
and fortune had signally favored me. Squeezing through from behind a
pillar I reached her side, and grew hot with pride when she slipped her
arm through mine, and we were borne forward irresistibly by the surging
crowd. Once I saw Ormond vainly trying to make his way back in search of
his companion, and I stood so that he could not see her. Half-way down the
aisle we met an official who recognized me as a nephew of Martin Lorimer.
"I'll find you and the lady seats in the chancel. It will be the only good
place left," he said.

I did not care where we went, as long as Grace went with me, and when he
ensconced us under an oaken canopy among the ancient carved stalls I
longed that the service might last a century, while Grace's quiet "Thank
you, I am so interested," filled me with ecstasy.

The church was interesting. There are many cathedrals that could not
compar