’The Mission party were most co-operative, and would not let the Bishop come into school during the three weeks of our stay, so he had a working holiday which he thoroughly enjoyed.  The weather was lovely, the boys were all well, and there was no drawback to the happiness of that time.  At seven the chapel bell rang and we walked across with him to the pretty little chapel.  The prayers and hymn were in Mota, the latter a translation by the Bishop of the hymn “Now that the daylight fills the sky.”  The boys all responded heartily and were reverent in demeanour.  After breakfast the two wise men worked steadily till nearly one.  We were not allowed to dine in Hall as the weather was very warm, and we inveigled the Bishop to stay out and be our host.

’A quaint little procession of demure-looking little maidens brought our dinner over.  They were grave and full of responsibility till some word from ‘Bisop’ would light up their faces with shy smiles.

’What pleasant walks we had together before evening chapel under the wooded cliffs or through the green fields.  Mr. Pritt had by this time brought the Mission farm into excellent working order by the aid of the elder lads alone.  Abundance of good milk and butter (the latter getting ready sale in town) and of vegetables.  His gifts too in school-keeping were invaluable.

’I wish I could recall some of the conversations with our dear friend.  A favourite topic was concerning the best modes of bringing the doctrines of the Christian religion clearly and fully within the comprehension of the converts.  Some of their papers written after being taught by him showed that they did apprehend them in a thoughtful intelligent way.

’At half-past six we had a short service, again in Mota, in chapel, and then we rarely saw our dear friend till nine.  He would not neglect any of his night classes.  At half-past nine the English workers gathered together in the Bishop’s room for prayers and for a little friendly chat.  Curiously enough, the conversation I most distinctly remember was one with him as we rode up one Saturday from Kohimarama to St. John’s College.  I got him to describe the game of tennis, and he warmed up and told me of games he had played at.

’How that cheery talk came to mind as I drove down the same road last year just after fine weather had come!  It was the same season, and the hedges on each side of the narrow lane were fragrant as then with may and sweet briar.’

CHAPTER XI.

St. Barnabas college, Norfolk island. 1867—­1869.