Page:Arthur Machen - The Hill of Dreams.djvu/146

THE HILL OF DREAMS way with Mrs. Gervase, Mrs. Dixon followed with Sir Vivian Ponsonby, and the multitudes that followed cried, saying, 'What a dear old man!'—'Isn't it kind of him to come all this way?'—'What a sweet expression, isn't it?'—'I think he's an old love'—'One of the good old sort'—'Real English nobleman'—'Oh most correct, I assure you; if a girl gets into trouble, notice to quit at once'—'Always stands by the Church'—'Twenty livings in his gift'—'Voted for the Public Worship Regulation Act'—'Ten thousand acres strictly preserved.' The old lord was leering pleasantly and muttering to himself: 'Some fine gals here. Like the looks of that filly with the pink hat. Ought to see more of her. She'd give Lotty points.'

The pomp swept slowly across the grass: the archdeacon had got hold of Mr. Dixon, and they were discussing the misdeeds of some clergyman in the rural deanery.

'I can scarce credit it,' said Mr. Dixon.

'Oh, I assure you, there can be no doubt. We have witnesses. There can be no question that there was a procession at Llanfihangel on the Sunday before Easter; the choir and minister went round the church, carrying palm branches in their hands.' 136