Manson.  I can soon remedy that, sir.  My religion is very simple.  I love God and all my brothers.

Vicar [after a pause].  God and your brothers . . .

Manson.  Yes, sir:  all of them.

[The vicar stands thoughtful for a moment.  He places the paten on the table, beside him.]

Vicar [slowly].  That is not always so easy, Manson; but it is my creed, too.

Manson.  Then—­ Brother!

[Rapt in thought, the vicar takes his profferred hand mechanically.]

[Mary enters.  She is a slim young girl in her teens, the picture of rosy sweetness and health.]

Mary.  Good-morning, Uncle William!  Oh! . . .  I suppose you’re Manson?  I must say you look simply ripping!  How do you do?  My name’s Mary. [She offers her hand.]

Manson [kissing it].  A very dear name, too!

Mary [embarrassed, blurting].  We were wondering last night about your religion.  I said . . .

Vicar.  Mary, my child . . .

Mary.  You don’t look like a cannibal.  After all, even the devil isn’t as black as he’s . . .  Oh, I beg your pardon:  perhaps I’m rude.

Vicar.  Yes, indeed you are.  Don’t take any notice of our little feather-brain, Manson.

Mary.  I say, has uncle told you who’s coming to-day?

Manson.  No.

Mary.  Not about Uncle Josh?

Vicar.  T-t-t!  You mustn’t call your uncle Joshua that!  It is irreverent.  He may resent it.

Mary.  You know, you’ll make me positively dislike him!  Just fancy, Manson, meeting an uncle whom you’ve never so much as set eyes on before!  I don’t even know what he looks like.

[She is looking Manson in the face.  He returns her gaze curiously.]

Manson.  Then—­you have a surprise in store.

Mary. You ought to be awfully interested!  You will, when you hear where he comes from!

Manson.  I am—­interested.

Mary.  Then guess who he is!

Manson.  Guess—­when I know already?

Mary.  Oh, Uncle Joshua isn’t his only name—­don’t you think that!  He’s a very important person, I can tell you!  His name’s on everybody’s lips!

Manson [dryly].  Really!

Mary.  Can’t you guess? . . .  Think of the very biggest person you ever heard of in this world!

Manson.  In this world:  that sounds rather like . . .  Does he give free libraries?

Mary.  I can’t say I ever heard of that; but he does things quite as wonderful!  Listen!  What do you think of the bishop of Benares!!

Manson [unimpressed].  Oh, it’s the—­Bishop of Benares, is it?