They were as secluded in their green hollow as the households in the German forest-tales.

Once a week they emerged and crossed the common, catching on its summit the first sounds of the sweet-toned bells, calling them to church.

Mrs.Browne walked first, holding Edward's hand.

Old Nancy followed with Maggie; but they were all one party, and all talked together in a subdued and quiet tone, as beseemed the day.

They had not much to say, their lives were too unbroken; for, excepting on Sundays, the widow and her children never went to Combehurst.