spiteful
look at Cargrim, for she saw plainly that he had intentionally deprived
her of a confidential conversation with Gabriel. The chaplain received
the look--which he quite understood--with an amused smile and a bland
inclination of the head. As he walked out arm-in-arm with the reluctant
Pendle, Bell banged the pewters and glasses about with considerable
energy, for the significant demeanour of Cargrim annoyed her so much
that she felt a great inclination to throw something at his head. But
then, Miss Mosk was a high-spirited girl and believed in actions rather
than speech, even though she possessed a fair command of the latter.

'Well, Cargrim,' said Gabriel, when he found himself in the street with
his uncongenial companion, 'what is it?'

'It's about the bishop.'

'My father! Is there anything the matter with him?'

'I fear so. He told me that he was going to London.'

'What of that?' said Gabriel, impatiently. 'He told me the same thing
yesterday. Has he gone?'

'He left by the afternoon train. Do you know the object of his visit to
London?'

'No. What is his object?'

'He goes to consult a specialist about his health.'

'What!' cried Gabriel, anxiously. 'Is he ill?'

'I think so; some nervous trouble brought on by worry.'

'By worry! Has my father anything on his mind likely to worry him to
that extent?'

Cargrim coughed significantly. 'I think so,' said he again. 'He has not
been himself since the visit of that stranger to the palace. I fancy the
man must have brought bad news.'

'Did the bishop tell you so?'

'No; but I am observant, you know.'

Privately, Gabriel considered that Cargrim was a great deal too
observant, and also of a meddlesome nature, else why had he come to spy
out matters which did not concern him. Needless to say, Gabriel was
thinking of Bell at this moment. However, he made no comment on the
chaplain's speech, but merely remarked that doubtless the bishop had his
own reasons for keeping silent, and advised Cargrim to wait until he was
consulted in connection with the matter, before troubling himself
unnecessarily about it 'My father knows his own business best,'
finished Gabriel, stiffly, 'if you will forgive my speaking so plainly.'

'Certainly, certainly, Pendle; but I owe a great deal to your father,
and I would do much to save him from annoyance. By the way,' with an
abrupt change of subject, 'do you know that I saw the stranger who
called at the palace two nigh