‘Good-morning, Fri, darling, won’t you come up to my room; we shall be more cosy than here?’
‘No, Lesbie pet, not this morning; I’ve kept the hansom waiting because I’ve no time. Hilda has made up a party to a Crystal Palace concert which I don’t care about—I’d much rather stay with you; but they want me to go. Down, Goss! you’re not to mud me now, you ugly full moon with teeth!’ as the bulldog reared up, wagging his rat’s tail, almost as pleased to see Friga as his young mistress. ‘Look here, Lesbie, mamma says you must all come to our tea to-morrow—it’s Friday, my day, you know; at any rate, you and your uncle must come, be the weather what it may. Cardinal Power’s coming, and he wishes to meet Mr Bristley.’
‘The Cardinal wants to see Uncle Spines? How very odd! What’s it about, Friga; have you any idea?’
‘Yes; I think he’s heard of the lectures and the allusions to his Church. But I must really be off; good-bye, dear; see you all to-morrow.’
Lesbie told her uncle as soon as he came in.
‘Eh?’ said Mr Bristley. ‘The Legate wishes to try his hand on me? Very good, I’m quite willing to be converted to the true faith—upon certain conditions. All right; we'll be there in good time.’
