They are sure to attack the cottages--and other things." Mrs.Boyce took no notice as far as she herself was concerned, but her quiet decision at last succeeded in leaving Mr.Boyce safely settled by the fire, provided as usual with a cigarette and a French novel.
The meeting was held in a little iron Baptist chapel, erected some few years before on the outskirts of the village, to the grief and scandal of Mr.Harden.There were about a hundred and twenty labourers present, and at the back some boys and girls, come to giggle and make a noise--nobody else.

The Baptist minister, a smooth-faced young man, possessed, as it turned out, of opinions little short of Wharton's own in point of vigour and rigour, was already in command.

A few late comers, as they slouched in, stole side looks at Marcella and the veiled lady in black beside her, sitting in the corner of the last bench; and Marcella nodded to one or two of the audience, Jim Hurd amongst them.
Otherwise no one took any notice of them.

It was the first time that Mrs.Boyce had been inside any building belonging to the village.
Wharton arrived late.

He had been canvassing at a distance, and neither of the Mellor ladies had seen him all day.