. To your
husband in particular, because, although he may have fallen a little
short of perfection during the last year--like some of the rest of
us--yet I feel sure that during this coming year--[_They have all been
watching him curiously; he has now opened the parcel and displays a very
bright brand new collecting box, with Crookbury Blanket Club painted on
it, in large letters. It is much larger than the hospital box._] My
household regulator! [_Giving it to_ DOLLY.

_Dolly._ [_Who has shown considerable disappointment on the opening of
the parcel._] Crookbury Blanket Club! Thank you so much, for Harry's
sake. Harry! For you, dear.

[_She gives the box to_ HARRY, _who places it on the same table._]

_Dolly._ You call it the household regulator?

_Pilcher._ Yes--I have suggested it to several of my brethren. Oh, its
use will become very general throughout the diocese.

_Dolly._ You think it will work well?

_Pilcher._ It cannot fail. A box of this character--larger or smaller,
according to the size of the family and their behaviour is left at each
house on the first of the year. All little failings, peccadilloes, and
asperities are strictly fined. The inevitable result is that either the
family behaviour improves, or the parish charities benefit. I'm starting
its operation in my parish to-day. Forgive any inexcusable rudeness in
leaving the first box with you. I must hurry off! [_Shaking hands._]
Good-bye, Professor.

_Prof._ I should like to make that point clear with regard to free
will----

_Pilcher._ When you have an hour, or shall I say a year, to spare, we
might argue it out----

_Prof._ You're going to the White House? If I might accompany you----

_Pilcher._ Delighted!

[_Shakes hands in dumb show with_ DOLLY _and_ HARRY.

_Prof._ Renie, you've had your restless fits again. You'd better come
with us----

_Renie._ But I've already been walking----

_Prof._ My dear, this bracing country air is just what you need. Keep
out in it all the day long----

_Renie._ Oh, very well--the White House, and the fish-pond as usual, I
suppose?

_Prof._ As usual. Come along.

[_Exit._ RENIE _slightly shrugs her shoulders, very slightly
glances at_ LUCAS _and exit after_ PROFESSOR.

_Lucas._ The dear old fish-pond! We might all take a stroll there!

_Matt._ Good idea! The dear old fish-pond! We might all take a stroll
there!

[_Linking his arm with_ LUCAS.

_Lucas._ [_Sus