After dinner Ian said something about going to see McLeod, and then the Bishop interfered––“No, Ian,” he replied, “I want you to walk as far as the cathedral with me. Will you do that?”
“With pleasure, sir.”
“Then let us be going, while there is yet a little sunshine.”
The cathedral doors stood open, but there was no one present except a very old woman, who at their approach rose from her knees and painfully walked away. The Bishop altered his course, so as to greet her––“Good afternoon, Sister Odd! Art thou suffering yet?”
“Only the pain that comes with many years, sir. God makes it easy for me. Wilt thou bless me?”
“Thou hast God’s blessing. Who can add to it? God be with thee to the very end!”
“Enough is that. Thy hand a moment, sir.”
For a moment they, stood silently hand clasped, then parted, and the Bishop walked straight to the vestry and taking a key from his pocket, opened the door. There was a fire laid ready for the match and he stooped and lit it, and Ian placed his chair near by.
“That is good!” he said. “Bring your own chair near to me, Ian, I have something to say to you.”