The boys walked, but Janet and Hester were driven in by the farmer in his chaise.

Janet had a rather uncomfortable moment at the beginning of the sermon, for the text was taken from Matthew xxii, where the piece of money is produced, and the question asked, "Whose is this image and superscription ?" Of course they all thought simultaneously of the old Irishwoman, and gave Janet a quick glance.

She was very glad that Kink (who was a Dissenter) was not with them to fix his old laughing eye upon her.
Mary had worked very hard over the Sunday dinner, and a great surprise was waiting for the four church-goers--nothing less than a beefsteak pudding with the most perfect soft crust and heaps of juice; and afterwards pancakes.

The farmer's wife sent down some strawberries and cream, so that it was a real feast.

The only one of them that was not hungry was Mary, who was too hot and tired of cooking to be able to eat much.
In spite of this huge and momentous dinner, all the children went out on Sunday afternoon to explore the neighbourhood, except Hester, who said she had something very important to do and begged to be allowed to remain alone in the Slowcoach.