The bishop [musing] I wonder who will begin the stand against marriage.  It must come some day.  I was married myself before I’d thought about it; and even if I had thought about it I was too much in love with Alice to let anything stand in the way.  But, you know, Ive seen one of our daughters after another—­Ethel, Jane, Fanny, and Christina and Florence—­go out at that door in their veils and orange blossoms; and Ive always wondered whether theyd have gone quietly if theyd known what they were doing.  Ive a horrible misgiving about that pamphlet.  All progress means war with Society.  Heaven forbid that Edith should be one of the combatants!

St John Hotchkiss comes into the tower ushered by Collins.  He is a very smart young gentleman of twenty-nine or thereabouts, correct in dress to the last thread of his collar, but too much preoccupied with his ideas to be embarrassed by any concern as to his appearance.  He talks about himself with energetic gaiety.  He talks to other people with a sweet forbearance (implying a kindly consideration for their stupidity) which infuriates those whom he does not succeed in amusing.  They either lose their tempers with him or try in vain to snub him.

Collins [announcing] Mr Hotchkiss. [He withdraws].

Hotchkiss [clapping Reginald gaily on the shoulder as he passes him] Tootle loo, Rejjy.

Reginald [curtly, without rising or turning his head] Morning.

Hotchkiss.  Good morning, Bishop.

The bishop [coming off the table].  What on earth are you doing here, Sinjon?  You belong to the bridegroom’s party:  youve no business here until after the ceremony.

Hotchkiss.  Yes, I know:  thats just it.  May I have a word with you in private?  Rejjy or any of the family wont matter; but—­[he glances at the General, who has risen rather stiffly, as he strongly disapproves of the part played by Hotchkiss in Reginald’s domestic affairs].

The bishop.  All right, Sinjon.  This is our brother, General Bridgenorth. [He goes to the hearth and posts himself there, with his hands clasped behind him].

Hotchkiss.  Oh, good! [He turns to the General, and takes out a card-case].  As you are in the service, allow me to introduce myself.  Read my card, please. [He presents his card to the astonished General].

The general [reading] “Mr St John Hotchkiss, the Celebrated Coward, late Lieutenant in the 165th Fusiliers.”

Reginald [with a chuckle] He was sent back from South Africa because he funked an order to attack, and spoiled his commanding officer’s plan.