She bowed to Lady Arabel, and became satirical, even arch.

"Good afternoon, Mrs .-- er--, I am assured that the moment is not solemn, and therefore solemn it shall not be.

To turn to lighter subjects, I hope I shall have the pleasure of meeting you and your delightful son and daughter again at no distant date, the moment then being genuinely solemn.

I fear I have no visiting card on me, but--er--perhaps my slab just outside--very superior granite--would do as a substitute...." The pale party filed out of the crypt and disappeared.

The remaining Vicar smote his brow, and addressed the now calm Rupert in a low voice, but with such unaccountable warmth that that harassed animal disappeared precipitately in the direction of his home.
Lady Arabel, Sarah Brown, and Richard crossed the churchyard together.
"Oh, my dears, look," said Lady Arabel.