ed out of the Bishop's face as he looked at
the young couple.

"I came as soon as I could," he said. "I started soon after seven, but
the roads are heavy."

"This is a great relief," said Mr. Gresley. He began on his deepest
organ note, but it quavered quite away on the word relief for want of
wind.

"How is Regie?" said the Bishop. It was his turn to be anxious.

"Regie is verr vell," said Fraeulein, with decision. "Tell her he is so
vell as he vas."

"He is very much shaken," said Mrs. Gresley, indignant mother-love
flashing in her wet eyes. "He is a delicate child, and she, Hester--may
God forgive her!--struck him in one of her passions. She might have
killed him. And the poor child fell and bruised his arm and shoulder.
And he was bringing her a little present when she did it. The child had
done nothing whatever to annoy her, had he, James?"

"Nothing," said Mr. Gresley, and his conscience pricking him, he added,
"I must own Hester had always seemed fond of Regie till last night."

He felt that it would not be entirely fair to allow the Bishop to think
that Hester was in the habit of maltreating the children.

"I have told him that his own mother will take care of him," said Mrs.
Gresley, "and that he need not be afraid, his aunt shall never come back
again. When I saw his little arm I felt I could never trust Hester in
the house again." As Mrs. Gresley spoke she felt she was making
certainty doubly sure that the woman of whom she was jealous would
return no more.

"Regie cry till his 'ead ache because you say Miss Gresley no come
back," said Fraeulein, looking at Mrs. Gresley, as if she would have
bitten a piece out of her.

"I think, Fraeulein, it is the children's lesson-time," said Mr. Gresley,
majestically.

Who could have imagined that unobtrusive, submissive Fraeulein, gentlest
and shyest of women, would put herself forward in this aggressive
manner. The truth is, it is all very well to talk, you never can tell
what people will do. They suddenly turn round and act exactly opposite
to their whole previous character. Look at Fraeulein!

That poor lady, recalled thus to a sense of duty, hurried from the room,
and the Bishop, who had opened the door for her, closed it gently behind
her.

"You must excuse her, my lord," said Mr. Gresley; "the truth is, we are
all somewhat upset this morning. Hester would have saved us much
uneasiness, I may say anxiety, if she had mentioned to us yesterday
evenin