This did not matter to her. Her
affections--and they were very real and genuine--were all for her
brother. Had she Paul she wanted no one else. That was enough.
And now it might be that they would have to leave the place. Already
the talk about Maggie was intolerable. Grace heard it on every side.
After Mathew Cardinal's visit the talk rose to a shriek. Grace knew
that those sudden silences on her entrance into the room meant
lively and excited discussion. "How terrible for the poor rector!"
"Such an odd girl--taken out of the slums." "Yes, quite drunk. He
knocked Mrs. Maxse down." "Oh I assure you that she went to see
Caroline Purdie the very day after. She did indeed . . ."
Yes. Grace knew all about it. Unless things changed Paul would have
to go. His life was ruined by this girl.
Nevertheless for a whole happy week the world seemed to sink back
into its old accustomed apathy. The very house seemed to take on its
old atmosphere. Paul came out of his study and went about paying
calls. That hour, from six to seven, when he was at home to his
parishioners seemed once again to be crowded with anxious old women
and men out of work and girls in trouble.
Pages:
740
741
742
743
744
745
746
747
748
749
750
751
752
753
754
755
756
757
758
759
760
761
762
763
764