She saw I
was hard up last time. All I deserve . . . All I deserve." He turned
round to Grace again. "I can't quite believe it, Miss Trenchard. It
doesn't sound like Maggie, but perhaps you've influenced her . . .
That's likely. If she should change her mind I'm at the 'Sea Dog.'
Not much of a place. Quiet though. Yes, well. You might tell her not
to bother. I'm finished, you see, Miss Trenchard. Yes, down. You'll
be glad to hear it, I've no doubt. Well, I mustn't stay talking. I
wish Maggie were happier though. She isn't happy, is she?"
The question was so abrupt that Grace was startled.
"I should hope so--Mr. Cardinal," she said.
"Oh, no, she isn't. I know. Always this religion she gets into. If
it isn't one sort it's another. But she's a good girl. Don't you
forget that. Well, I must be going. Good day. Good day."
He was actually gone, leaving a little pool of water on the carpet
behind him. Grace sat down on the sofa again. What a horrible man!
What a horrible man! But she had been wrong to say that about
Maggie. Yes, she had. But he had taken her by surprise. Oh dear! How
her heart was beating! And how strange he had looked.
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