Pratt says he hunts, but father says not, that he
could not catch anything if he tried."

"I had a dog once," said the Bishop, "called Jock. And he got in a trap
like Boulou did. Now, Jock loved me. He cared for me more than anybody
in the world. Yet, as I was letting him out of the trap, he bit me. Do
you know why he did that?"

"Why?"

"Because the trap hurt him so dreadfully that he could not help biting
something. He did not really mean it. He licked me afterwards. Now,
Auntie Hester was like Jock. She was in dreadful, dreadful pain like a
trap, and she hit you like Jock bit me. But Jock loved me best in the
world all the time. And Auntie Hester loves you, and is your friend she
tells secrets to, all the time."

"Mother says she does not love me really. It was only pretence." Regie's
voice shook. "Mother says she must never come back, because it might be
baby next. She said so to father."

"Mother has made a mistake. I'm so old that I know better even than
mother. Auntie Hester loves you, and can't eat any breakfast till you
tell her you don't mind. Will you come with me and kiss her, and tell
her so? And we'll make up a new secret on the way."

"Yes," said Regie, eagerly, his wan little face turning pink. "But
mother?" he said, stopping short.

"Run and get your coat on. I will speak to mother. Quick, Regie."

Regie rushed curveting out of the room. The Bishop followed more slowly,
and went into the drawing-room where Mr. and Mrs. Gresley were sitting
by the fireless hearth. The drawing-room fire was never lit till two
o'clock.

"Regie goes with me of his own free will," he said; "so that is settled.
He will be quite safe with me, Mrs. Gresley."

"My wife demurs at sending him," said Mr. Gresley.

"No, no, she does not," said the Bishop, gently. "Hester saved Regie's
life, and it is only right that Regie should save hers. You will come
over this afternoon to take him back," he continued to Mr. Gresley. "I
wish to have some conversation with you."

Fraeulein appeared breathless, dragging Regie with her.

"He has not got on his new overcoat," said Mrs. Gresley. "Regie, run up
and change at once."

Fraeulein actually said, "Bozzer ze new coat," and she swept Regie into
the carriage, the Bishop following, stumbling over the ruins of the
porch.

"Have they had their hot mash?" he said to the coachman, who was tearing
off the horses' clothing.

"Yes, my lord."

"Then drive all you know. Put them at