And into the straits of Royd-lane they accordingly defiled. It was very narrow,—so narrow that only two could walk abreast without falling into the ditch which ran along each side. They had gained the middle of it, when excitement became obvious in the clerical commanders: Boultby's spectacles and Helstone's Rheoboam we reagitated: the Curates nudged each other: Mr. Hall turned to the ladies and smiled.
"What is the matter?" was the demand.
He pointed with his staff to the end of the lane before them. Lo and behold! another,—an opposition procession was there entering, headed also by men in black, and followed also, as they could now hear, by music.
"Is it our double?" asked Shirley: "our manifold wraith? Here is a card turned up."
"If you wanted a battle, you are likely to get one,—at least of looks," whispered Caroline, laughing.
"They shall not pass us!" cried the Curates, unanimously: "we'll not give way!"
"Give way!" retorted Helstone, sternly, turning round; "who talks of giving way? You, boys, mind what you are about: the ladies, I know, will be firm; I can trust them. There is not a churchwoman here but will stand her ground against these folks, for the honour of the Establishment. What does Miss Keeldar say?"
"She asks what is it?"
"The Dissenting and Methodist schools, the Bap-
