"Do you fancy that?" asked Bradstock. "Is imagination necessary, by the way, for the clerical or episcopal life?" "It is highly necessary, but rare," said the bishop. "So I should imagine," said Bradstock. "What do you mean by that?" asked the bishop, a little warmly. Bradstock said he meant nothing by it, except that he was glad it was necessary. Nevertheless, the bishop looked at him sternly for some minutes, and he felt rather uncomfortable. "I should not be surprised if Titania was now at the palace," he said, to change the conversation. "Ridley and my housekeeper must deal with her," said the bishop. "Ridley deals with every one calmly. Kings and curates come equally and easily within his powers. Ridley may most distinctly be called an adequate butler. He will offer her my best spare bedroom, or arrange for her sojourn at the Grand. I do not believe an archbishop in a fit would throw Ridley off his balance. I rather wondered whether it would disturb him to see me come in with two duelling-swords under my arm upon that memorable occasion of the duel, but Ridley was as calm as—as an adequate butler. I rejoice in Ridley. If we fail to-day, I think I will ask his advice. He is a sound and solid thinker. I hardly think I should have been a bishop to-day, but for Ridley. When I was a vicar of St. Mary’s at Ray Pogis, he came to me, then deeply engaged in smashing Harnack into dust, and said: ’Sir, the Prime Minister is staying at Pogis House.’ I knew if he was at Pogis House, he would attend New Pogis church. The incumbent at New Pogis was one of those men whom it would require much courage to make an archdeacon of, and he was under great obligations to me. I spoke to him. He fell ill most opportunely. I preached a sermon which had every appearance of spontaneity, though I had spent months upon it, keeping it by me for some such occasion, as it dealt with the duties of men in high position, and three months later I was offered Spilsborough. But for Ridley, I might still be a vicar. This, I believe, Bradstock, is Boston." They left the train and began to make inquiries just about the time that Ridley was dealing with the duchess. He knew all about her, all about the duke, all about Penelope, all about Bradstock, and all about the "horde." He had read all the telegrams, those which were sent and those which he had picked out of the bishop’s waste-paper basket. "Yes, your Grace," said Ridley, "his lordship the bishop was called away early with Lord Bradstock on important business. He wrote a letter which his lordship has probably taken away in his pocket, and desired me to ask your Grace whether you would prefer to stay here or at the Grand. The Grand is comfortable, but this is quiet." "I will stay here," said the duchess. "I should like to lie down at once." And when she was comfortable, Ridley cross-examined her maid about everything, and was soon on firm ground.