CHAPTER II 

THE CHURCH PARADE 

It was raining hard when I climbed into the dog-cart and rattled away into the darkness, while somewhat to my surprise Robert the Devil, or Devilish Bob, as those who had the care of him called the bay horse, played no antics on the outward journey, which was safely accomplished. So leaving him at the venerable "Swan," I hurried through the miry streets toward the church. They were thronged with pale-faced men and women who had sweated out their vigor in the glare of red furnace, dye-shop, and humming mill, but there was no lack of enthusiasm. I do not think there are any cities in the world with the same public spirit and pride in local customs that one may find in the grimy towns of Lancashire. The enthusiasm is, however, part of their inhabitants' nature, and has nothing to do with the dismal surroundings. 

A haze of smoke had mingled with the rain; yellow gas jets blinked through it, though it would not be dark for an hour or so yet; and the grim, smoke-blackened houses seemed trickling with water. Still every one laughed and chattered with good-humored expectancy, even the many who had no umbrellas. It was hard work to reach the church, though I opined that all the multitude did not intend to venture within, and when once I saw my uncle with a wand in his hand I carefully avoided him. Martin Lorimer was a power and well liked in that town, but I had not driven ten miles to assist him. Then I waited among the jostling crowd in a fever of impatience, wondering whether Miss Carrington had yet gone in, until at last I saw the Colonel marching through the throng, which--and knowing the temperament of our people I wondered at it--made way for him. There were others of the party behind, and my heart leaped at the sight of Grace. She was walking beside Captain Ormond, who smiled down at her. 
Does this town have a cheerful appearance? Does that make the inhabitants unhappy? Who is pulling the cart? Does he have another name? What color is he? Does he act devilish on the trip out? Where doe the narrator drop him off? Where does the narrator continue to after dropping him off at the Swan? Does he proceed slowly? Are the streets clean and dry? What's the weather like? Is the precipitation light? Are there lots of folks in the street when he arrives at his destination? What is their mood? Are they all protected from the downpour? Are they all planning to go into the building? Who does the narrator see? Does he greet him? Who is he looking for? Who does the crowd move aside for?
no no Robert the Devil Devilish Bob pale no church church no no rain no yes good-humored no no uncle no Miss Carrington Colonel