how could Thomas----" began Morris, when his father cut him short
and answered:

"Oh, I'll tell you, quite simply. I had it from the interesting youth's
own lips as he unpacked my clothes. It seems that the day before the
news of your uncle's death reached this place, Thomas was aroused from
his slumbers by hearing what he was pleased to call 'hangels a-'arping
and singing.' As soon as he convinced himself that he still lingered on
the earth, drawn by the sweetness of the sounds, 'just in his jacket and
breeches,' he followed them, until he was sure that they proceeded from
your workshop, the chapel.

"Now, as you know, on the upstair passage there still is that queer slit
through which the old abbots used to watch the monks at their devotions.
Finding the shutter unlocked, the astute Thomas followed their example,
as well as he could, for he says there was no light in the chapel except
that of the fire, by which presently he made out your figure, Miss
Fregelius, sometimes playing the violin, and sometimes singing, and that
of Morris--again I must quote--'a-sitting in a chair by the fire with
his 'ands at the back of 'is 'ead, a-staring at the floor and rocking
'imself as though he felt right down bad.' No, don't interrupt me,
Morris; I must tell my story. It's very amusing.

"Well, Miss Fregelius, he says--and, mind you, this is a great
compliment--that you sang and played till he felt as though he would cry
when at last you sank down quite exhausted in a chair. Then, suddenly
realising that he was very cold, and hearing the stable clock strike
two, he went back to bed, and that's the end of the tale. Now you will
understand why I have asked you this favour. I don't see why Morris and
Thomas should keep it all to themselves."

"I shall be delighted," answered Stella, who, although her cheeks were
burning, and she knew that the merciless Colonel was taking note of the
fact, on the whole had gone through the ordeal remarkably well. Then she
left the room.

As soon as the door closed Morris turned upon his father angrily.

"Oh! my dear boy," the Colonel said, "please do not begin to explain.
I know it's all perfectly right, and there is nothing to explain. Why
shouldn't you get an uncommonly pretty girl with a good voice to sing
to you--while you are still in a position to listen? But if you care
to take my advice, next time you will see that the shutter of that
hagioscope, or whatever they call it, is locked, as su