human
I shall be obliged to run away so soon as the ladies leave the room to you and your cigarettes and gossip. It is rather mean, but Mrs. Weatherwood has been forewarned, and understands. To-morrow is our village feast at Marksleigh, and I have a host of things on my hand. I shall have to be up at seven, and I do object to cut a slice off my night's rest at both ends.
gpt
Rather an unusual time of the year for a village feast, said I.
human
These things are generally got over in the summer.
gpt
You see, our church is dedicated to St. Mark, and to-morrow is his festival, and it has been observed in one fashion or another in our parish from time immemorial. In your parts have they any notions about St. Mark's eve?
human
What sort of notions?
gpt
That if you sit in the church porch from midnight till the clock strikes one, you will see the apparitions pass before you of those destined to die within the year.
human
I fancy our good people see themselves, and nothing but themselves, on every day and hour throughout the twelvemonth.
gpt
Joking apart, have you any such superstition hanging on in your neighbourhood?
human
Not that I am aware of. That sort of thing belonged to the Golden Age that has passed away. Board schools have reduced us to that of lead.
gpt
At Marksleigh the villagers believe in it, and recently their faith has received corroboration.
human
How so?
gpt
Last year, in a fit of bravado, a young carpenter ventured to sit in the porch at the witching hour, and saw himself enter the church. He came home, looking as blank as a sheet, moped, lost flesh, and died nine months later.
human
Of course he died, if he had made up his mind to do so.
gpt
Yes--that is explicable. But how do you account for his having seen his double?
human
He had been drinking at the public-house. A good many people see double after that.
gpt
It was not so. He was perfectly sober at the time.
human
Then I give it up.
gpt
Would you venture on a visit to a church porch on this night--St. Mark's eve?
human
Certainly I would, if well wrapped up, and I had my pipe.
gpt
I bar the pipe, said Miss Fulton.
human
No apparition can stand tobacco smoke. But there is Lady Eastleigh rising. When you come to rejoin the ladies, I shall be gone.
gpt
Mind the cob, Dick; I am all right.