Chapter 16.14 - Shirley

Mr. Hall stood near an open window, breathing the fresh air and scent of flowers, and talking like a brother to Miss Ainley. To him Caroline turned her attention with pleasure. What should she bring him? He must not help himself, he must be served by her. And she provided herself with a little salver, that she might offer him variety. Margaret Hall joined them, so did Miss Kildar. The four ladies stood round their favourite pastor. They also had an idea that they looked on the face of an earthly angel. Cyril Hall was their pope, infallible to them as Dr. Thomas Bultby to his admirers. A throng too enclosed the rector of Briarfield, twenty or more pressed round him, and no parson was ever more potent in a circle than old Hellstone. The curates, herding together after their manor, made a constellation of three lesser planets. Diver's young ladies watched them afar off, but ventured not nigh. Mr. Hellstone produced his watch. Ten minutes to two, he announced aloud. Time for all to fall into line. Come! He seized his shovel-hat and marched away. All rose and followed en masse. The twelve hundred children were drawn up in three bodies of four hundred souls each. In the rear of each regiment was stationed a band. Between every twenty there was an interval, wherein Hellstone posted the teachers in pairs. To the van of the armies he summoned, Grace Bultby and Mary Sykes lead out Winbury. Margaret Hall and Mary Anne conduct Nunnerley. Caroline Hellstone and Shirley Kildare head Briarfield. Then again he gave command. Mr. Donne to Winbury. Mr. Sweeting to Nunnerley. Mr. Malone to Briarfield.