"She is very kind, indeed, to think of it," said I, and, indeed, I did feel it to be a motherly and kind act, which made my heart warm toward the good woman. "Oh, very!" answered Philippa, in the same odd tone. "I will leave you to dress and then, perhaps, you can find your way down by yourself, as you know the house so well." "Certainly," I answered, feeling a little confused and vexed, as well by something in her manner and the sharp scrutiny of her cold gray eyes. Not to keep my hostess waiting longer than was needful, I simply slipped off the riding gear which I had put on over my gray novice's gown, made myself as neat as I could at short notice, and went down as I had been bidden, to the dining-room, where I found the family already assembled—there being more children than I could reckon at one glance, all healthy and happy-looking, except Philippa. We took our places at the board, the youngest child present said a simple grace, and we all sat down. The meal was a plain one and plainly served, but all was good and abundant. "You see all our flock at once, Mrs. Loveday," said Master Davis, "all, that is, but my married son and daughter, who have homes of their own." "These young ones should have been abed, I suppose," chimed in Mistress Davis, "but they begged to sit up till their father came, and I could not refuse them for once, poor hearts. Folks say I spoil my children sadly," she added, whereat Philippa gave a scornful half-smile; "but they are pretty good children, though I say it that shouldn't!" "I am sure they do not look spoiled," said I, seeing that I was expected to speak; and, indeed, they did not. A prettier, better ordered family of children I never saw. The supper was good, as I said, though plain, but I was too weary to eat, seeing which, Mistress Davis hastened the meal a little. When all had finished, she blew a little whistle and made a sign to the elder boy, who brought a great book from the side table and laid it before his father, while three or four servants and as many 'prentice lads entered and sat down at the lower end of the room. "It is my custom, Mrs. Loveday, to read a chapter in the Holy Scriptures to my family night and morning," said John Davis, removing his cap as he spoke, "but if you have any scruples of conscience concerning the same, you have leave to withdraw." Philippa instantly rose, crossed herself and looked at me as if expecting me to do the same. But as I had no such scruple, and had moreover a great curiosity about the matter, I sat still, whereat she went away, shutting the door with something like a slam.