The mellow August sunshine fell upon the pale, calm countenance of the young monk, and upon the uplifted face of the boy; once again Sir Richard was struck by the likeness between the two.
"Dick," he said suddenly, "come here!"
Dick let the curtain fall before the picture, and returned to his grandfather, regarding him with questioning brown eyes.
"I'm getting an old man, Dick," Sir Richard said gravely. "I wish your father was coming home before next year! Since he went to India I've neglected the property; I've had no heart to see to things; but when he comes back he shall do as he likes here!"
"Then I expect he'll begin by shooting the rabbits," Dick replied seriously; "Groves says they're a great nuisance, but I rather like to see them about!"
Sir Richard laughed, whilst Dick continued to regard him with great gravity.
"Well?" the old man said. "There is a question in your eyes, Dick! What is it?"
"Don't be angry," Dick responded, "but I should like to know—something."
"Well?"
"I should like to know, if you hated mother, why you've changed your mind! Did God show you it was wrong?"