Ralph looked up lazily.
“Indeed,” he said, “then Mary and I will be the only worldlings.”
“She is very happy with the nuns,” said his father, smiling, “and a worldling can be no more than that; and perhaps not always as much.”
Ralph smiled with one corner of his mouth.
“You are quite right, sir,” he said.
The bell for evening prayers sounded out presently from the turret in the chapel-corner, and the chaplain rose and went out.
“Will you forgive me, sir,” said Ralph, “if I do not come this evening? I am worn out with travelling. The stay at Begham was very troublesome.”
“Good-night, then, my son. I will send Morris to you immediately.”
“Oh, after prayers,” said Ralph. “I need not deprive God of his prayers too.”