Just as Hazel Thorne was going to her seat in the gallery, the tall
gentleman came through the porch, hesitated a moment, and then, seeing
that the church was nearly empty, he went quickly up to the young
mistress.
"Hazel," he whispered, "I have come down on purpose. I must--I will see
you after church."
"I beg your pardon," she said coldly; "our acquaintance is at an end."
"End! No. I have come to my senses. It must not--it shall not be."
"It must and shall, Mr Graves," she said, turning away.
"For Heaven's sake, why?" he whispered excitedly, as she was going.
"Times are changed, sir. I am only a schoolmistress now."
Just then Mr Chute entered with the boys, and he turned white as he saw
the stranger there.