Chapter 17.5 - Shirley

Mr. Hall had taken care of Caroline, and Caroline of him. He and Miss Ainley made their own quiet comments to each other afterwards on the incident. Miss Kieldour and Mr. Helston shook hands heartily when they had fairly got the whole party through the lane. The curates began to exult, but Mr. Helston presently put the curb on their innocent spirits. He remarked that they never had the sense to know what to say and had better hold their tongues, and he reminded them that the business was none of their managing. About half-past three the procession turned back, and at four once more regained the starting place. Long lines of benches were arranged in the close-shawn fields round the school. There the children were seated, and huge baskets, covered up with white cloths, and great smoking tin vessels were brought out. Ere the distribution of good things commenced, a brief grace was pronounced by Mr. Hall, and sung by the children. Their young voices sounded melodious, even touching in the open air. Large currant buns and hot, well-sweetened tea were then administered in the proper spirit of liberality. No stinting was permitted on this day, at least, the rule for each child's allowance being that it was to have about twice as much as it could possibly eat, thus leaving a reserve to be carried home for such as age, sickness, or other impediment prevented from coming to the feast. Buns and beer circulated, meantime, among the musicians and church singers. Afterwards the benches were removed, and they were left to unbend their spirits in licensed play. A bell summoned the teachers, patrons and patronesses, to the schoolroom. Miss Kielder, Miss Helston, and many other ladies were already there, glancing over the arrangement of their separate trays and tables. Most of the female servants of the neighbourhood, together with the clerks, the singers, and the musicians' wives, had been pressed into the service of the day as waiters, each vied with the other in smartness and daintiness of dress, and many handsome forms were seen amongst the younger ones. About half a score were cutting bread and butter, another half score supplying hot water brought from the coppers of the rector's kitchen, the profusion of flowers and evergreens decorating the white walls, the show of silver teapots and bright porcelain on the table, the active figures, blithe faces, gay dresses flitting about everywhere, formed altogether a refreshing and lively spectacle.