"Only to grown-ups," said Tessa, looking incredulous.
Bernard put his arm round her. "No," he said. "It's the children who come first with Him. He may not give them just what they ask for, but it's generally something better."
Tessa stared at him, her eyes round and dark. "S'pose," she said suddenly, "a big snake was to come out of that corner, and I was to say, 'Don't let it bite me, Lord!' Do you think it would?"
"No," said Bernard very decidedly.
"Oh!" said Tessa. "Well, I wish one would then, for I'd love to see if it would or not."
Bernard pulled her to him and kissed her. "We won't talk any more about snakes or you'll be dreaming of them," he said. "Come along and dine with me! Rather sport having it all to ourselves, eh?"
"Where's Aunt Stella and Uncle Everard?" asked Tessa.
"Oh, they're preparing for the reception. Let me take your Highness's cloak! This is the banqueting-room."
He threw the cloak over a chair in the verandah, and led her into the drawing-room, where a small table lighted by candles with crimson shades awaited them.
"How pretty!" cried Tessa, clapping her hands.