Their place was now as near the choir as possible, and they were
brought in as before, very early, so that Fernan gazed with the same
eager, unsated eyes into the chancel and at the altar, admitted as he
was farther into his true home.
The church was filled with candidates from the villages round as well
as from the town, and the Litany preceded the rite which was to seal
the young champions ere the strife. The Bishop came down to the two
lame children, and laid his hands on the two bent heads, ere he gave
his final brief address, exhorting the young people to guard
preciously, and preserve by many a faithful Eucharist, that mark
which had sealed them to the Day of Redemption, through all this
world's long hot trial and conflict.
There was holiday at both schools, and Felix had been spared to take
his place in the choir, but Mr. Froggatt could not do without him
afterwards, as the presence of so many of the country clergy in the
town was sure to fill the reading-room and shop; and he was obliged
to hurry off as soon as he came out of church. Now, the Bishop had
the evening before asked Lady Price 'whether that son of poor Mr.
Underwood's' were present among the numerous smart folk who thronged
her drawing-room, to which my lady had replied, 'No; he was a nice,
gentlemanly youth certainly, but, considering all things, and how
sadly he had lowered himself, she thought it better not.
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