[MARY takes the coat to the fire.] [Surveying the table]. That's very nice, Manson, very nice indeed! Perhaps, just a little further this way. . . . [Removes flowers.] My husband is so fond of them. Ye-es; and I _wanted_ things _particularly_ nice this morning . . . MARY [at the fire, looking up]. I thought you said you--you didn't expect him till twelve-thirty! . . . AUNTIE [absorbed]. Whom? MARY [chuckling]. The--the Bishop of Benares. AUNTIE. The--the . . . Oh, it's your _uncle_ I am . . . [To Manson]. By-the-bye, has the postman been yet? MANSON [at the window]. I can see him coming up the lane. He's stopped at the next house. AUNTIE. Oh, then, Mary: will you very much mind if you don't have breakfast with us this morning? I want to have a private talk with your uncle. MARY. Oh, auntie, dear! . . . AUNTIE. Don't think of yourself, dear-- Remember, there are other people in the world besides you. Go down into the village, and have breakfast with poor old Grannie Durden. Take her some nice new-laid eggs and a pat of butter-- Poor soul, it would be a charity! MARY. Oh, auntie, she's as deaf as a post! AUNTIE. Dearest!--Remember what your uncle said last Sunday about _Pure religion and undefiled_! He mentioned Mrs. Durden only a week ago; but I forgot. Now, run along. MARY [reluctantly]. Very well, auntie. [She goes out by the main door.] AUNTIE [laughing]. Inconsiderate little monkey! I am glad you have not thought of changing your pretty, native costume, Manson. It is very picturesque; and, besides, to-day there is a special reason why it may be considered complimentary. [A double knock is heard at the outer door.] Ah! Quick, Manson! The postman! [MANSON goes out. AUNTIE takes a look at the coat: rearranges the flowers, humming, meanwhile, "The Church's One Foundation"; and then stands impatiently awaiting MANSON'S reappearance. Presently he returns with a letter on server.] MANSON. A letter for you, ma'am. AUNTIE. Ah! What I expected! [She breaks open the letter and reads it eagerly.] Excellent! [More dubiously]. Excellent . . . Manson, we shall have to be very busy to-day. There will be quite a Church Congress to lunch--two bishops! MANSON. Oh, not as bad as that, ma'am! AUNTIE. Manson! MANSON. Beg pardon, ma'am; but master mentioned only one--his brother, the Bishop of Benares. AUNTIE. _My_ brother will join us also--the Bishop of Lancashire. This is his letter. And now let's have breakfast, at once. The vicar is sure to be earlier than he said; and I'm hungry. [MANSON goes to the door. As he opens it, the VICAR and ROGERS reappear.] MANSON. Here is master. I'll hurry up the breakfast, ma'am. VICAR [entering]. Do, Manson. Let's get it over. [MANSON goes out.] Excuse me, my dear. [ROGERS helps him off with the cassock.] So tiresome! Not a place in the house to do anything! Confound the drains! Just run up-stairs for my coat, Rogers.