'At present. But,' said Augustine, tapping his companion on the chest, 'just watch my smoke. That's all I ask you to do—just watch my smoke.'
'I will. You should rise to great heights—to the very top of the tree.'
'Like you did just now, eh? Ha, ha!'
'Ha, ha!' said the bishop. 'You young rogue!'
He poked Augustine in the ribs.
'Ha, ha, ha!' said Augustine.
He slapped the bishop on the back.
'But all joking aside,' said the bishop as they entered the vicarage grounds, 'I really shall keep my eye on you and see that you receive the swift preferment which your talents and character deserve. I say to you, my dear young friend, speaking seriously and weighing my words, that the way you picked that dog off with that stone was the smoothest thing I ever saw. And I am a man who always tells the strict truth.'
'Great is truth and mighty above all things. Esdras iv, 41,' said Augustine.
He turned away and strolled towards the laurel bushes, which were his customary meeting-place with Jane. The bishop went on to the front door and rang the bell.