The river lay still as a lagoon, and the dusty red roads of the town blazed like a furnace.

Before I had got to the church door I was in a great sweat, and stopped in the porch to fan myself.

Inside 'twas cool enough, with a pleasant smell from the cedar pews, but there was such a press of a congregation that many were left standing.

I had a good place just below the choir, where I saw the Governor's carved chair, with the Governor's self before it on his kneeling-cushion making pretence to pray.

Round the choir rail and below the pulpit clustered many young exquisites, for this was a sovereign place from which to show off their finery.