"Yer Grace, ye have an unannounced caller," informed the young priest at the door.

The bishop twisted to face the priest. "Who is it?" he grumbled testily.

"Ah, Yer Grace, it is Mellester Manor's reeve, Petrus Bodkin."

"Tell him to go away, I'm indisposed."

"Yer Grace, I have informed him of this, but he insists that he speak with ye."

"I have no time fer rabble, see him away!"

"As ye wish, Yer Grace." With delicacy ...