Dexie did not know whether to be amused, hurt or vexed.  The words uttered were words of rebuke, but the odd manner in which they were said and the humorous twinkle in the minister’s eyes did not well agree.  He waited a moment for her answer, still holding her hand and looking down into her face with a serio-comic expression quite unlike a clergyman, until Dexie answered, in a low tone,

“I will remember what you said, and will always sing when I can, though I should not like to be spoken to right out in church very often.”

“That’s right,” said Mr. Barkly.  “I am glad to know that I have made an impression on one of my congregation, at least, and that your sin of omission will not be repeated.  There is nothing like a personal remark to bring people to a sense of their shortcomings; so let this be a warning to you, Miss Sherwood,” and he walked down the aisle at her side.  “I hope, Miss Sherwood,” he added, “that your stay amongst us will allow us the privilege of hearing your voice again.  With a good preacher and a fine singer as inducements, we ought to bring out a large congregation, eh?”

Dexie looked up quickly, but the ministerial air could not hide the rich vein of humor in the man, and she smilingly replied,

“I should not like to be reproved before a larger audience than was here this evening, Mr. Barkly, and I might unintentionally do something that would bring it upon me; so I think the preacher must depend on himself, as we expect to return to Charlottetown to-morrow.”

A few parting words, and the group separated, and Dexie found herself by Elsie’s side, walking towards their temporary home.

As they were very tired, they decided not to await Lancy’s arrival, so at an early hour they asked to be shown to their room, and its spotless purity spoke well for the housekeeper.

“However shall we get into that bed, Dexie?” said Elsie, as the footsteps of Mrs. Gardner were no longer audible.

“That is just what I was wondering myself,” and Dexie stood regarding the high, old-fashioned four-poster.  “Do you suppose they use a step-ladder, or jump into it from the table?  Why,” lifting up the counterpane and sheets, “it’s just a mountain of feathers; we must spring into it from this chair.”  A little later her smothered laughter camp from its depths, and the laugh was repeated when Elsie sank beside her.

When they came downstairs next morning they found Lancy waiting for them, and a few minutes later Mr. Holbrook put in an appearance, making a merry little party as they sat round the cosy breakfast table.

At the earnest solicitation of Mrs. Gardner, they consented to stay a few days longer at Montague Bridge, and visit the places of interest in the vicinity.

“I will leave the horse and carriage, and return to town with a friend, and report to Mrs. Fremont,” said Mr. Holbrook, “so you can drive around the country here; and when you are ready for home just follow the telegraph poles, and you’ll not miss your road.  You have made a good thing of it by visiting Montague Bridge.”