Part 1, Chapter XVII. The Governors Meeting
The rectory carriage, with Julia and Cynthia Mallow looking sweet and attractive enough to tempt the tradespeople who quarrelled with the father to touch their hats, came in quite early, setting down the Rector, who had to visit the booksellers and order a new volume for the society library, and soon after he was on his way to the chief point of attraction that morning, to wit, the special meeting of the governors of Lawford School, with the Rector in the chair.
The meeting, according to custom, had been called for the vestry-room, which would only comfortably hold six, and then adjourned to the Kings Head, where the townspeople and those interested in the important event were gathered in force.
Thirty years before, when Humphrey Bone obtained his appointment, only three people were present to wit, the then rector of the parish and a couple of governors. But there was no opposition in those days. Dissent had not taken so strong a hold on the little town, and the disposition for making a party fight over every trifling matter had not grown into the ascendant.
On this particular day, however, though to a man every one present, whether Nonconformist or supporter of Church and State, would have stoutly denied that party feeling or local politics had anything to do with his presence, it was very evident that there were two opposing sides, and that the meeting was pretty evenly divided between the supporters of the
he was a bad son.
I wonder whether he would try to improve if I asked him, and pointed out how wrong it is of him to be so much trouble to his parents, thought Sage; and then she shivered with a strange kind of dread.
Why had she thought all that? What was Cyril Mallow to her? It was only out of civility that he had spoken to her as he had, but she felt that it was out of place, and that Mr Mallow would not have approved of it at all, and and it was very dreadful.
As a rule, Sage Portlock was a firm, determined girl, full of decision and strength of character, but the words of the spiteful woman seemed to have quite unnerved her, and with the sense of being very guilty, and of having behaved treacherously to Luke Ross, she had hard work to keep from starting off, and breaking into a run.
And he is coming on so quickly, she thought. He will overtake me before I get to the gate. How dare he follow me about like this, and why is not Luke here to protect me!
Sage Portlocks excitement had thoroughly mastered her, and she uttered quite a hysterical little cry, as the steps drew quite near now, and a voice exclaimed
Why, Sage, I almost had to run.
Luke!
Yes; Luke, he replied, smiling, as he took her hand in his. Who did you think it was?
I I didnt know; I wanted to get home quickly, she faltered. I did not know it was you.
I know that, he said, drawing her hand through his arm, or else you would have stopped, wouldnt you?
Why, of course, Luke, she said, smiling in his face, and with a calm feeling of rest and protection coming over her disturbed spirit.
Im glad I caught you, he said. Lets walk slowly, for Ive a great deal to say to you before you go in.
But, first of all, tell me, Luke, dear, she cried eagerly, is the appointment confirmed?
No.
No? Not confirmed? Then, that wicked old Bone
That wicked old Bone of contention, he said, laughingly taking her up, has had very little to do with it. At one time I thought that it would be very cruel to take his post, but I do not think so now.
But not confirmed, Luke? she cried, stopping short and clinging to his arm, the picture of bitter disappointment. Why, this is the meaning, then, of the opposition uncle spoke of yesterday. Who has dared to stop you from having the school?
You, said Luke, as he gazed admiringly in her animated face.
I, Luke? I? she exclaimed, in a puzzled way.
Well, it is through you, dear, he said, smiling.
But I have done nothing, Luke, she cried. You are teasing me! Has the meeting taken place?
Yes; I have just come from it.
Well? Mr Bone was there I know, for he gave the boys a holiday, so that he might come.
Yes, he was there, evidently looking upon me as the greatest enemy he had in the world till he heard me decline the post.
You? you declined the post, Luke?
Yes, I declined the post.
And you told me you loved me, she said, reproachfully, as she drew back.
As I do with all my heart, he cried, taking her hand, and drawing it through his arm once more. Sage, dear, it is because I love you so well that I have declined to take the school.
When it was so near, she cried; and her tears seemed to have stolen into her voice. And now you will go and take a school ever so far away. Oh, Luke, she cried, piteously, it is too bad!
Hush, little one, he said, firmly. It is not like you to talk like that. I shall not take a school far away, though I shall have to leave you. Sage, dear, I have felt that I must give up present pleasure for a future joy.
I I dont understand you, she cried; your talk is all a puzzle to me.