entered the deep, cool porch, and saw the little table at the threshold, covered with a white linen cloth, and holding a plate of evergreens and a handful of salt.  And when Sophia and Charlotte each scattered a little salt upon the ground, and broke off a small spray of boxwood, he knew instinctively that they were silently expressing their faith in the preservation of the body, and in the life everlasting; and he imitated them in the simple rite.

Ducie met them with a grave and tender pleasure.  “Come, and see the empty soul-case,” she said softly; “there is nothing to fear you.”  And she led them into the chamber where it lay.  The great bed was white as a drift of snow.  On the dark oak walls, there were branches of laurel and snowberry.  The floor was fragrant under the feet, with bits of rosemary, and bruised ears of lavender, and leaves of thyme.  The casements were wide open to admit the fresh mountain breeze; and at one of them Steve rested in the carved chair that had been his grandfather’s, and was now his own.

The young men did not know each other; but this was neither the time nor the place for social civilities, and they only slightly bowed as their eyes met.  Indeed, it seemed wrong to trouble the peaceful silence with mere words of courtesy; but Charlotte gave her hand to Stephen, and with it that candid, loving gaze, which has, from the eyes of the beloved, the miraculous power of turning the water of life into wine.  And Charlotte perceived this, and she went home happy in the happiness she had given.

Four days later, Barf Latrigg was buried.  In the glory of the August afternoon, the ladies of Seat-Sandal stood with Julius in the shadow of the park gates, and watched the long procession winding slowly down the fells.  At first it was accompanied by fitful, varying gusts of solemn melody; but as it drew nearer, the affecting tones of the funeral hymn became more and more distinct and sustained.  There were at least three hundred voices thrilling the still, warm air with its pathetic music; and, as they approached the church gates, it blended itself with the heavy tread of those who carried and of those who followed the dead, like a wonderful, triumphant march.

After the funeral was over, the squire went back to Up-Hill to eat the arvel-meal, [Death-feast.] and to hear the will of his old friend read.  It was nearly dark when he returned, and he was very glad to find his wife alone.  “I have had a few hard hours, Alice,” he said wearily; “and I am more bothered about Barfs will than I can tell why.”

“I suppose Steve got all.”

“Pretty nearly.  Barf’s married daughters had their portions long ago, but he left each of them three hundred pounds as a good-will token.  Ducie got a thousand pounds and her right in Up-Hill as long as she lived.  All else was for Steve except—­and this bothers me—­a box of papers left in Ducie’s charge.  They are to be given to me at her discretion; and, if not given during her lifetime or my lifetime, the charge remains then between those that come after us.  I don’t like it, and I can’t think what it means.  Eh?  What?”