g in the next
room. After a bit, when a minute or so went by and I could hear
nothing, a sort of panic took me that some harm had happened to her:
till I could stand it no longer, but picked up the lamp and crept in
for a book. There she lay sleeping, healthy and sound, and prettier
than you'd ever think. . . . I crept back to my chair, and a foolish
sort of hope came over me that, with her health and wits, and being
brought up unlike other children, she might come one day to be a
little lady and the pride of the place, in a way of speaking--"

"A sort of Lady Jane Grey, in modest fashion--is that what you mean?"
suggested Brother Copas--

'Like Her most gentle, most unfortunate,
Crowned but to die--who in her chamber sate
Musing with Plato, tho' the horn was blown,
And every ear and every heart was won,
And all in green array were chasing down the sun.'

--"Well, if she's willing, as unofficial godfather I might make a
start with the Latin declensions. It would be an experiment: I've
never tried teaching a girl. And I never had a child of my own,
Brother; but I can understand just what you dreamed, and the Lord
punish me if I feel like laughing."

He said it with an open glance at his friend. But it found no
responsive one. Brother Bonaday's brow had contracted, as with a
spasm of the old pain, and his eyes still scrutinised the trailing
weeds in Mere river.

"If ever a man had warning to be done with life," said Brother
Bonaday after a long pause, "I had it this forenoon. But it's
wonderful what silly hopes a child will breed in a man."

Brother Copas nodded.

"Aye, we'll have a shot with her. But--Oh, good Lord! Here's the
Chaplain coming."

"Ah, Copas--so here you are!" sung out Mr. Colt as he approached with
his long stride up the tow-path. "Nurse Branscome told me I should
find you here. Good evening, Bonaday!"

He nodded.

Copas stood up and inclined his body stiffly.

"I hope, sir," was his rebuke, "I have not wholly forfeited the title
of Brother?"

The Chaplain flushed.

"I bring a message," he said. "The Master wishes to see you, at
half-past six."

"That amounts to a command."

Brother Copas pulled out his watch.

"I may as well warn you," the Chaplain pursued. "You will be
questioned on your share in that offensive Petition. As it appears,
you were even responsible for composing it."

Brother Copas's eyebrows went up.

"Is it possible,