"Well," she replied, partially relenting, "I'd do a good deal for--Jonah."
"I've one row of those peas left," she returned, "and when I've reset them I'll give you your answer. That'll be in fifteen minutes. Now go away, or you'll fidget round, and I sha'n't get 'em straight." And without another word she resumed her digging.
Fifteen minutes later his Lordship was at her side.
"There's one more plant left," remarked Mrs. Mackintosh, cleaning her trowel and addressing herself to the task.
"And are you going to say Yes when you have finished?"
"Yes," said the lady, "I am, but it's mostly on account of Jonah."
The Bishop ruthlessly set his foot on the tender shoot which intervened between him and happiness, crushing it to the earth.
Some time later Mrs. Mackintosh remarked:
"The cathedral clock is striking twelve, and you're due in the study."
"You mean, my dear, that _we_ are due," replied his Lordship.
On their arrival in the Bishop's sanctum, they found the full force of the company assembled to receive them.
Miss Matilda looked on this gathering with suspicion.
"I do not see," she said, "the need of so many witnesses to what must prove, I fear, a humiliating confession."
"I've come," returned Mrs. Mackintosh, "to lend moral support to--" She glanced at the Bishop, changed her mind, and supplemented--"Miss Arminster."
"Shall I speak?" asked Miss Matilda, ignoring her remark.
"I will speak," said his Lordship. "It is my house, and my place to do so."
"I've sent for you, my dear," he continued, turning to Violet, "because certain charges have been made against you by Mr. Marchmont and--others, and, as my son informs me that you contemplate marrying Mr. Spotts, and asking me to perform the ceremony, I feel it is my duty--"
"I am speaking, Matilda," he said quietly, and she collapsed.
"You mustn't think," he went on, "that my asking you to explain your position implies any belief on my part in the charges made against you. I've only requested this interview because I thought you'd like an opportunity to disprove idle gossip."
"It's very kind of you," she replied, "and I shall avail myself of it gladly."
"Quite so. Now my sister tells me that she's seen, in a neighbouring church, the record of your marriage to Mr. Spotts. Is this so?"