MANSON. Breakfasts served, ma'am. It's served, sir. [They move to the table, absently, first one, then the other, as he goes to each separately.] [MANSON serves them in silence for a few moments.] Beg pardon, sir: what time did you expect the Bishop of Benares? VICAR. Oh!--_During the morning_, he said. That will mean the twelve-thirty, I suppose. It's the only convenient service. MANSON. And the Bishop of Lancashire, ma'am? AUNTIE. He didn't say; but I think we may expect him by the same train. He would scarcely think of catching the . . . [There is heard a loud Ringing of the Bell--a bishop at the very least. All three heads turn automatically.] Good gracious! Already! MANSON. It doesn't sound like the Bishop of Benares, ma'am. He generally comes very quietly. AUNTIE. Quick! MANSON. Yes, ma'am. [He goes out by the main door.] AUNTIE [rapidly], William, I'm sorry! Really, I didn't mean you: I never thought of you; I was only thinking of Robert. I only think of you as a great scholar and a saint--yes, you are one!--and as the man I love! I would sacrifice everything to your happiness. Robert's nothing to me; that's why I . . . Think of what it might mean to Mary--we must think of others, William!--our own little child, as we try to imagine . . . [The VICAR makes a gesture of anguish.] As for James, God knows I did it for the best. I love you, my dear, I love you: I wouldn't have vexed you for the world! After all, he is my brother, William! . . . . I thought of patching up the enmity between you: I thought of all your hopes of rebuilding the church, and James was the only rich man I thought might be induced--under the circumstances . . . VICAR. I am in the darkness. I don't know what to do. God has left me stranded. [MANSON re-enters. They look at him inquiringly.] MANSON. It isn't the Bishop of Benares, ma'am. AUNTIE. Well, who is it? MANSON. I didn't ask his name, ma'am. AUNTIE. T-t-t! How is he dressed? MANSON. Rather oddly, ma'am: I noticed that his legs . . . AUNTIE. William, it's James! I can't be seen like this. Shew him in. I can slip out this way. [MANSON goes out.] William, try and treat him like . . . VICAR. How? Like a brother? AUNTIE. I was going to say, like a Priest and a Christian, William. VICAR. Like a Christian, then. AUNTIE. My dear! [She goes out by the door to the right, as MANSON begins to turn the handle of the other door.] MANSON [outside]. This way, if you please. [The VICAR, braces himself up and turns towards the door with an effort at cordiality.] VICAR. Just in time for breakfast, my lord. [Enter ROBERT SMITH and MANSON. ROBERT'S costume is a navvy's, the knees tied With string.] ROBERT [grimly]. Thanks, Bill Awlmighty, don't mind if I do. My belly's fair aching. VICAR. Robert! ROBERT. Yus, it's me, my 'oly brother! VICAR. Didn't you--didn't you get my wire?