Mr. Casaubon did not preach that morning, and there was no change in

Will's situation until the blessing had been pronounced and every one

rose. It was the fashion at Lowick for "the betters" to go out first.

With a sudden determination to break the spell that was upon him, Will

looked straight at Mr. Casaubon. But that gentleman's eyes were on the

button of the pew-door, which he opened, allowing Dorothea to pass, and

following her immediately without raising his eyelids. Will's glance

had caught Dorothea's as she turned out of the pew, and again she

bowed, but this time with a look of agitation, as if she were

repressing tears. Will walked out after them, but they went on towards

the little gate leading out of the churchyard into the shrubbery, never

looking round.

It was impossible for him to follow them, and he could only walk back

sadly at mid-day along the same road which he had trodden hopefully in

the morning. The lights were all changed for him both without and

within.




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