“Why, yes.” She started a little, remembering Arthur’s attitude. “I was with Dr. Rotherby who is the Bishop of Burminster.”
“Yes—yes.” He nodded gravely. “We were at Oxford together. He left and I remained. So he is at Burminster! You were not happy with him?”
Frances hesitated. “Not very,” she admitted.
He nodded again. “A hard man—a hard man! And did you ever meet his nephew—Montague?”
She felt the colour leap to her face. “Yes, I have met him,” she said.
“Ah! He is a friend of yours,” said the old man, with quiet conviction. “A close friend?”
She did not know how to answer him. No words would come. But in that moment to her intense relief she heard a step outside. The door opened, and Mrs. Dermot entered.
“Arnold,” she said, “I am sorry to disturb you, but Dr. Square is here. He will be down immediately to see you. May he come in?”
The old man turned towards her with a fond smile. “My dear,” he said, “any pretext is welcome that brings you to my side.”
Frances got up, thankful for the interruption. “I will go to the kitchen if I may,” she said. “Maggie is there.”