"You are fond of Cousin Patrine, aren't you?"
"Rather!"
"Just tell me why?"
"Because"—the young brows were puckered—"because she's so big and so—beautiful. And she'd just die for you and Mother.... She comes in my prayers next after you two."
"And—the Chief Scout?"
"Father, wouldn't it be—a bit cheeky to go and pray for a man like that?"
A spark of laughter wakened in Saxham's sombre eyes.
"Not quite respectful, you think? Is that it? Why so, when you're taught to pray for the Holy Father, Mother Church, and the King and Queen?"
The boy's puckered brows smoothed. The question was settled.
"Of course. I forgot. Then the Chief Scout must come in after Cousin Patrine. Because a gentleman must always give place to a lady. That's what Mother says."