"Do you ever lie down—alone—and read a book?" persisted the Dean.
"Yes. I have just finished Renan's Vie de Jésus!"
Her glance, even with him, kept its note of audacity, but much softened by a kind of wistfulness.
"Ah! my dear Lady Kitty, let Renan alone," cried the Dean—then with a change of tone—"but are you speaking truth—or naughtiness?"
"Truth," said Kitty. "But—of course—I am in a temper."
The Dean laughed.
"I see Lord Parham is not a favorite of yours."
Kitty compressed her small lips.
"To think that William should have to take his orders from that man!" she said, under her breath.
"Bear it—for William's sake," said the Dean, softly, "and, meanwhile—take my advice—and don't read any more Renan!"