"Give them a shilling, please, Brown."
A quick change passed over the countenance of the man addressed.
"Lady Emily, ma'am, never gave more than three-pence."
This stately person had formerly served the Vavasours, and was much
inclined to let his present mistress know it.
Diana looked disappointed, but submissive.
"Oh, very well, Brown--I don't want to alter any of the old ways. But I
hear the choir will come up to-night. Now they must have five
shillings--and supper, please, Brown."
Brown drew himself up a little more stiffly.
"Lady Emily always gave 'em supper, ma'am, but, begging your pardon, she
didn't hold at all with giving 'em money."
"Oh, I don't care!" said Miss Mallory, hastily. "I'm sure they'll like
it, Brown! Five shillings, please."
Brown withdrew, and Diana, with a laughing face and her hands over her
ears, to mitigate the farewell bawling of the children, turned to Mrs.
Colwood, with an invitation to dress for church.
"The first time for me," she explained. "I have been coming up and down,
for a month or more, two or three days at a time, to see to the
furnishing. But now I am _at home!_"
* * * * *
The Christmas service in the parish church was agreeable enough.
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