They had reached the door of the Palace by this time and the Bishop led the way up the winding stone steps which led to the drawing-room. It was a long low panelled room with large windows looking over the garden.
"How charming," said Rachel. "I hope you are going to ask us to stay with you one day. I can imagine sitting here and dreaming all kinds of pleasant dreams. Don't you love it?"
"If my dear wife was living and we had a houseful of children I should appreciate it. But except when I have visitors, or when the house is full of clergy, I have no use for this room. Come and I will show you my study."
That the study was a room in constant use Rachel saw at a glance, and wondered if the Bishop was as anxious over the many papers and letters that were arranged neatly on his writing table, as Luke was.
The sight of the papers brought to Rachel's mind the sudden panic that had arisen in her heart at the idea of her husband renting a room in his mother's house, and she told the Bishop of her fears as she moved about looking at the pictures on the walls. Then suddenly turning round and facing him, she asked:
"Do you think all this is very small of me? I can't tell you how trying Luke's mother is. She simply has no tact whatever and I can't help thinking that she is a little jealous of me."
"Come and sit down," said the Bishop. Then he looked at her gravely. "I am going to say something that I fear will hurt you. But I do it as your father's friend and as your Bishop. Will you let me tell you the truth?"
Rachel's eyes filled with tears.
"I only want the truth," she said. "And I could never mind anything you said. Indeed I want help."
"I will try to help you. And first let me tell you that you have the most splendid opportunity of growing into a noble strong woman. This mother-in-law of yours, instead of being a hindrance to your soul's life, may be a stepping stone to a higher life. It depends a great deal upon yourself which she becomes, a hindrance, or a stepping stone."