answer you could give a baby to such a
question. 'Above the weeny woolly clouds?' he persisted. 'Yes,' I
said again. 'Then,' he said in an awe-struck voice, 'He must be very
careful not to put His foot through!'"

"How curious a child's mind is," said Philippa, "At least not curious,
but so perfectly literal."

"That is why it is so difficult to answer them," put in Major
Heathcote. "He asks me the most appalling questions, and goes on
asking them until I answer him. But don't encourage his proud mother,"
he added, laughing. "If you once allow her to talk about her precious
boy you will never be able to switch her off on to any other topic of
conversation."

"Well," retorted Marion, "I am sure Dickie is more interesting than the
weather, and I always let you talk about that. Besides, don't you
believe him, Philippa; he talks about our Dickie just as much as I do."

"Now tell me," said Major Heathcote presently, "what do you like to see
and do while you are here? What is your particular line? I suppose
you have one?--every one has now-a-days. Is it old furniture shops?
If so we can motor over to Eastminster, where you can poke about in
dust and dirt to your heart's content. Or is it something more
learned--abbeys and architecture? If so there are Castle Hill and the
ruins of Bessmoor Priory. Or pictures at Longmead--or scenery? Make
your choice. The only things we can not supply are social functions.
Our neighbours are few and far between, and many of them are away just
now."

"You can strike the last items off your list," rejoined Philippa
decidedly; "I certainly don't want them. I just want to be allowed to
do nothing in particular except see a great deal of your lovely country
in the quietest and laziest way possible, please. These little
villages fascinate me--all clustering round a church which looks far
too big and important for the number of cottages. Why have you so many
churches about here? I counted eight on my way from the station."

"Ah!" was the reply, "times have changed in these parts since the days
when the priors and monks raised these churches, and since the
countryside was thickly populated. Silk and wool were staple
industries here then. Many and various causes have brought about the
change. First they say that the Black Death raged more violently here
than in any other part of England, and second---- Excuse me!" Major
Heathcote broke off suddenly as the butler handed hi