Dick stared, as well he might. ‘The bishop, Lady Renshaw!’ he stammered.
‘I mean your dear papa, of course. When I was quite a girl, I was several times at Melminster.’
‘O-h!’ answered Dick with a prolonged indrawing of his breath. ‘I crave your ladyship’s pardon. When last I heard from Melminster, every one there was quite well.’
A light had begun to dawn on him. ‘She takes the bishop for my father, whereas he’s only my godfather. Evidently the name has misled her,’ he said to himself with an inward chuckle. ‘Well—bless her stupidity! It’s no part of my duty to enlighten her.’
‘I am so glad to hear it,’ continued her ladyship innocently. ‘The duties of such an exalted position must be very trying to the constitution. For myself, I am happy to say that I have always been a stanch upholder of the Establishment.’
Mr Golightly bowed, but had no reply ready.
‘I hope that we shall have the pleasure of a good deal of your society, Mr Golightly, during the time you stay in these parts.’
‘Thanks. Delighted, I’m sure,’ lisped that model young man. ‘Mamma has always been wishful that I should cultivate the society of ladies as much as possible. Men nowadays—at least, lots of them—are so fast and slangy, don’t you know. I always like to do as mamma bids me.’
‘A most exalted sentiment. I wish all young men thought as you do, Mr Golightly. I should very much like to make the acquaintance of your mamma. She must be a most estimable lady. I suppose, now, that you lead a very quiet and domesticated life at the palace?’
‘At the palace! Oh—ah—yes, very quiet.’ Then he added to himself: ‘By Jove, though, I haven’t been at the palace for nearly a dozen years—not since poor old dad’s fortune collapsed. Bishops, like other people, find it convenient to forget old friends when they have a mind to do so.’