"He's more pleasantly occupied, perhaps ?--if it's true what they tell me." "It never is," said Brother Copas imperturbably; "though I haven't a notion to what you refer." "But surely you've heard ?" "Nothing: and if it concerns Bonaday, you'd best hold your tongue just now; for here he is." Brother Bonaday in fact, with Nurse Branscome and Corona, at that moment emerged from the doorway of his lodgings, not ten paces distant from the steps of the Hundred Men's Hall.

The three paused, just outside--the Nurse and Corona to await the procession of Visitors, due now at any moment.

Brother Bonaday stood and blinked in the strong sunlight: but the child, catching sight of Brother Copas as he left Brother Biscoe and hurried towards her, ran to meet him with a friendly nod.
"I've come out to watch the procession," she announced.

"That's all we women are allowed; while you--Branny says there's to be ducks and green peas! Did you know that ?" "Surely you must have observed my elation ?" Brother Copas stood and smiled at her, leaning on his staff.
"The Bishop wears gaiters they tell me; and the Master too.

I saw them coming out of Chapel in their surplices, and the Chaplain with the Bishop's staff: but Branny wouldn't let me go to the service.
She said I must be tired after my journey.