Mrs. Baxter would deplore it all, of course, gently and
tranquilly, in Laurie's absence, and would, perhaps, if she were hard
pressed, utter a feeble protest even in his presence; and that was
absolutely all....
"Maggie! Maggie!" came the gentle old voice, calling presently; and
then to some unseen person, "Have you seen Miss Deronnais anywhere?"
Maggie put the letter in her pocket and hurried through from the
orchard.
"Yes?" she said, with a half hope.
"Come in, my dear, and tell me what you think of those new teacups in
the _Bon Marche_ catalogue," said the old lady. "There seem some
beautiful new designs, and we want another set."
Maggie bowed to the inevitable. But as they passed up the garden her
resolution was precipitated.
"Can you let me go by twelve," she said. "I rather want to see Father
Mahon about something."
"My dear, I shall not keep you three minutes," protested the old lady.
And they went in to talk for an hour and three-quarters.
II
Father Mahon was a conscientious priest. He said his mass at eight
o'clock; he breakfasted at nine; he performed certain devotions till
half-past ten; read the paper till eleven, and theology till twelve.
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