But he had several tricks as curious as they were persistent. Not even the presence of his bishop could make him spare a bluebottle. And he had, on the other hand, a peculiar passion for the smell of wax. He would blow out a candle on the altar before the end of Mass that he might enjoy the smell of it. He disliked Jesuits, and religious generally, if the truth were known; excepting only the orphanage nuns, who knew his weaknesses and were kind to them. He had no love for modern innovations, or modern devotions; there was a hidden Gallican strain in him; and he firmly believed that in the old days before Catholic emancipation, and before the Oxford movement, the Church made more converts than she did now. * * * * * Towards the end of the lunch Laura inquired of Mr. Helbeck whether any conveyance was to be got in the village. "I wish to go to Browhead Farm this afternoon," she said rather shortly. "Certainly," said Helbeck. "Certainly. I will see that something is found for you." But his voice had no cordiality, and Laura at once thought him ungracious. "Oh, pray don't give yourself any trouble," she said, flushing, "I can walk to the village." Helbeck paused. "If you could wait till to-morrow," he said after a moment, "I could promise you the pony. Unfortunately he is busy this afternoon." "Oh, do wait, Laura!" cried Augustina. "There is so much unpacking to do." "Very well," said the girl unwillingly. As she turned away from him Helbeck's look followed her. She was in a dress of black serge, which followed the delicate girlish frame with perfect simplicity, and was relieved at the neck and wrists with the plainest of white collars and cuffs. But there was something so brilliant in the hair, so fawnlike in the carriage of the head, that she seemed to Helbeck to be all elegance; had he been asked to describe her, he would have said she was in _grande toilette_. Little as he spoke to her, he found himself perpetually conscious of her. Her evident--childishly evident--dislike of her new surroundings half amused, half embarrassed him. He did not know what topic to start with her; soon, perhaps, he might have a difficulty in keeping the peace! It was all very absurd. After luncheon they gathered in the hall for a while, Father Bowles talking eagerly with Helbeck and Augustina about "orphans" and "new buildings." Laura stood apart awhile--then went for her hat. When she reappeared, in walking dress--with Fricka at her heels--Helbeck opened the heavy outer door for her. "May I have Bruno?" she said. Helbeck turned and whistled. "You are not afraid?" he said, smiling, and looking at Fricka. "Oh, dear no! I spent an hour this morning introducing them."