Taking in his own the two little hands, which were
locked in eachother, Mahony drew them apart.
The grass has been green overthat for what seems
like half a century.
Again, as he looked and listened, he understood
Marysdiscomfort and embarrassment.
He continuedsmall, but was neatly
formed.
He wont miss meso long as your friend Tilly is at
hand to drink in his words. Any one but you wouldunderstand whats
happening.
Id have kept her at home if Id guessed, knowing
heropinion of that sort of thing. But what possessed you, Mary, to ask him to repeat
the visit? Never will such a miracle have trodthis old earth!
She came to us well attested by circlesof the
highest standing. Not to speak of having to see you bear the blame,should things go
wrong.
Such a scandalous scene as to-nights, ithas never
been my lot to witness. He continuedsmall, but was neatly formed. Besides, I think
you might show a LITTLE confidence in me. Her attitude, for example, to the subject
under discussion. But Mahony did not try to conciliate her.
For all Marys firm resolve to act as peacemaker,
this was more thanshe could swallow.
A new soul to guide, and shield, andmake fit for
life! Such a scandalous scene as to-nights, ithas never been my lot to witness.
Tillys MY friend, and Im not going to have her insulted. We shall be having youill
in earnest if this goes on.
You need hardly worry, Ithink, in the case of a
person who has so few decent feelings of herown.
Her buxom, bouncing presence filled the
house.
For if ever there was a person particularabout
paying debts, its you. But Im sure I sometimes dont know whats coming over
you.
Surely the wordimplies somebody with whom one has
at least HALF an idea in common? Dressed for driving Mary entered thenursery; and
Cuffy clamoured to be set upon her knee.
Tilly sat by the fire in Marys bedroom, her black
silk skirts turnedback from the blaze.
Ibelieve it was the going home that changed
you.
Mary laughed at Richardsexaggerated anxiety; though
she rejoiced to see him so fond.
It was no goodchafing; in bed she had to stay. But
Mahony did not try to conciliate her. Purdys egregious lying was pabulum after her
ownheart.