Why Briarfield was chosen for the point of rendezvous--the scene of the _fte_--should be explained. It was not because it was the largest or most populous parish--Whinbury far outdid it in that respect; nor because it was the oldest, antique as were the hoary church and rectory--Nunnely's low-roofed temple and mossy parsonage, buried both in coeval oaks, outstanding sentinels of Nunnwood, were older still. It was simply because Mr. Helstone willed it so, and Mr. Helstone's will was stronger than that of Boultby or Hall; the former _could_ not, the latter _would_ not, dispute a point of precedence with their resolute and imperious brother. They let him lead and rule.

Briarfield was chosen for the rendezvous, not because it was the largest or oldest parish, but simply because Mr. Helstone willed it, and Mr. Helstone's will was stronger than that of Boultby or Hall. They let him lead and rule.
