The Cleric's Secret

"Now what have you been doing?"

"You naughty old man!"

"Yes, sometimes you are very naughty."

"Thank you, my dear. That is a sign of grace. I think I'd like a glass."

"Eliza's iced lemonade?"

"No, a mild whisky, but you can include the ice."

His daughter bent down and kissed the top of his head.

"Pet you shall have your whisky."

She brought him his drink, and it was a good one, nor did it cause her to remember that other man whose drinks had been of a stiffer order. She fetched a chair, and sat down beside him.

"Now why the cab?"

Mr. Slade chuckled.

"No need to send for Dr. Richmond, My heart's as it should be. Do you know the difference between man and woman?"

"Is that a riddle?"

"Human nature is a riddle, my dear, a fact that the fervid gentlemen who wear red ties never remember. A woman likes to be asked questions; a man hates it."

"Guilty conscience?"

"Not always. It is the n