She nodded, and led the way. They stole in and out of the kneeling
groups of the north transept, and were soon climbing the stairway that
links the two churches, out of sight and hearing of the multitude below.
Here there was again pale daylight. Greetings were interchanged, and
both Chide and Ferrier studied Diana's looks with a friendly anxiety
they did their best to conceal. Forbes also observed Juliet Sparling's
daughter--hotly curious--yet also hotly sympathetic. What a story,
by Jove!
Their footsteps echoed in the vast emptiness of the Upper Church.
Apparently they had it to themselves.
"No friars!" said Forbes, looking about him. "That's a blessing, anyway!
You can't deny, Miss Mallory, that _they_'re a blot on the landscape. Or
have you been flattering them up, as all the other ladies do who
come here?"
"We have only just arrived. What's wrong with the friars?" smiled Diana.
"Well, we arrived this morning, and I've about taken their
measure--though Ferrier won't allow it. But I saw four of them--great
lazy, loafing fellows, Miss Mallory--much stronger than you or me--being
dragged up these abominable hills--_four of 'em_--in one _legno_--with
one wretched toast-rack of a horse.
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