Лето

           “ForasmuchasithathpleasedAlmightyGodofHisgreatmercytotakeuntoHimselfthesoulofourdearsisterheredeparted,wethereforecommitherbodytotheground;earthtoearth,ashestoashes,dusttodust...”Liff’sgauntshouldersroseandbentinthelanternlightashedashedtheclodsofearthintothegrave.“God—it’sfrozea’ready,”hemuttered,spittingintohispalmandpassinghisraggedshirt-sleeveacrosshisperspiringface.

           “ThroughourLordJesusChrist,whoshallchangeourvilebodythatitmaybelikeuntoHisgloriousbody,accordingtothemightyworking,wherebyHeisabletosubdueallthingsuntoHimself...”ThelastspadefulofearthfellonthevilebodyofMaryHyatt,andLiffrestedonhisspade,hisshoulderbladesstillheavingwiththeeffort.

           “Lord,havemercyuponus,Christhavemercyuponus,Lordhavemercyuponus...”

           Mr.Milestookthelanternfromtheoldwoman’shandandsweptitslightacrossthecircleofblearedfaces.“Nowkneeldown,allofyou,”hecommanded,inavoiceofauthoritythatCharityhadneverheard.Shekneltdownattheedgeofthegrave,andtheothers,stifflyandhesitatingly,gottotheirkneesbesideher.Mr.Milesknelt,too.“Andnowpraywithme—youknowthisprayer,”hesaid,andhebegan:“OurFatherwhichartinHeaven...”Oneortwoofthewomenfalteringlytookthewordsup,andwhenheended,thelank-hairedmanflunghimselfontheneckofthetallyouth.“Itwasthisway,”hesaid.“Itoleherthenightbefore,Isaystoher...”Thereminiscenceendedinasob.

           Mr