Among the little girls who had received invitations to the tea-party were two named Rendal, the children of the man whose dismissal from New Wanley had been announced by Mutimer.

Adela was rather surprised to see them in the garden.

They were eight and nine years old respectively, and she noticed that both had a troubled countenance, the elder showing signs of recent tears.

She sought them out particularly for kind words during tea-time.

After the reading she noticed them standing apart, talking to each other earnestly; she saw also that they frequently glanced at her.