That amiable personage strode down the stairs in dignified fashion, greeting the guests with a sonorous:
"PAX VOBISCUM!"
He could not be induced to stay long, however. He had been perturbed all day on account of the Duchess who now threatened to join the Moravian Brotherhood; she was so annoyed about a little thing which had happened. He did not quite believe it, of course; but, like a well-trained priest, took nothing for granted and was prepared for every emergency where ladies are concerned.
"Just one glass!" said Keith.
"Let me drink to your health ere we part," added the bishop. "I am sorry to leave you. Our friendship will endure. We meet in September, during the vintage season. Keith has been talking to me. I am as wax in his hands. Your smile, Don Francesco, will follow me across the ocean. Just one glass!"
"Ah, well!" said the priest. "The next best thing to leading others astray is to be led astray oneself."
He gulped down a couple of tumblers and dutifully took his leave, turning round, as he reached the staircase, to make a playful gesture of benediction towards the assembled company.
"Don't leave your bottle half empty," Keith called after him, imploringly. "It looks untidy."
"And so unhappy," added the bishop. "Dear me! This is most singular. I seem to see two lamps instead of one. It must have been those apricots."
Keith interposed: