THE GREAT MAN The church at Little Shale was very ancient and picturesque.

It stood almost opposite to the lodge-gates of Shale Court, the abode of the great Mr.Fielding.Two cracked bells hung in its crumbling square tower, disturbing once a week the jackdaws that built in the ivy.

Just once a week ever since the Dark Ages, was Juliet's reflection as she dutifully obeyed the somewhat querulous-sounding summons on the following day.

She could not picture their ringing for any bridal festivity, though it seemed possible that they might sometimes toll for the dead.
Two incredibly old yew-trees mounted guard on each side of the gate and another of immense size overhung the porch.

The path was lined by grave-stones that all looked as if they were tottering to a fall.
An old clergyman in a cassock that was brown with age hurried past her as she walked up the path.