Fred Neville,--as he had been a week or two since,--was almost grovelling in the dust before the priest's eyes; but the priest for the moment thought that he was wrapping himself up in the sables and ermine of his nobility.

However, he had come back,--which was more perhaps than Father Marty had expected,--and the best must be made of him with reference to poor Kate's future happiness.

"You're going on to Ardkill, I suppose, my Lord," he said.
"Yes;--certainly; but I intended to take the Liscannor road on purpose to see you.

I shall leave the car at Liscannor and walk up.

You could not return, I suppose ?" "Well,--yes,--I might." "If you could, Father Marty--" "Oh, certainly." The priest now saw that there was something more in the man's manner than lordly pride.