People can lean against me if they like.

I hold firm.

Good-bye.

That's the Cathedral bell." But Constance and Sorell, followed discreetly by Annette, departed first.

Mrs.Mulholland stayed for a final word to the Master, before obeying the silver voice from St.Frideswide's tower.
"To think of that girl being handed over to Ellen Hooper, just when all her love affairs will be coming on! A woman with the wisdom of a rabbit, and the feelings of a mule! And don't hold your finger up at me, Master! You know you can't suffer fools at all--either gladly--or sadly.
Now let me go, Grace!--or I shan't be fit for church." * * * * * "A very pretty creature!" said Ewen Hooper admiringly--"and you look very well on her, Constance." He addressed his niece, who had been just put into her saddle by the neat groom who had brought the horses.
Mrs.Hooper, Alice and Nora were standing on the steps of the old house.
A knot of onlookers had collected on the pavement--mostly errand boys.
The passing undergraduates tried not to look curious, and hurried by.
Constance, in her dark blue riding-habit and a _tricorne_ felt hat which she had been accustomed to wear in the Campagna, kept the mare fidgeting and pawing a little that her uncle might inspect both her and her rider, and then waved her hand in farewell.
"Where are you going, Connie ?" cried Nora.
"Somewhere out there--beyond the railway," she said vaguely, pointing with her riding-whip.