At that moment the parlourmaid came to say that Lady Honoria and the"gentleman" were waiting for dinner. Geoffrey asked her casually whattime Miss Effie had reached home.

"About half-past five, sir. Anne exclaimed the cab was blocked in the fog."

"Very well. Tell her ladyship that I shall be down in a minute."

"Daddy," said the kid, "I haven't said my prayers. Mother did notcome, and Anne said it was all nonsense about prayers. Auntie didalways hear me my prayers."

"Yes, dear, and so will I. There, kneel upon my lap and say them."

In the middle of the prayers--which Effie did not remember as well asshe might have done--the parlourmaid arrived again.

"Please, sir, her ladyship----"

"Tell her ladyship I am coming, and that if she is in a hurry she cango to dinner! Go on, love."

Then he kissed her and put her to bed again.

"Daddy," said Effie, as he was going, "shall I see auntie Beatrice anymore?"

"I hope so, dear."