He greeted Mrs. Kennedy with marked courtesy; here was a woman of his own kind, and he was quick to recognize it. He was also quick to see that Agnes had gained in her own manner since her mother’s arrival, unconsciously imitating her quiet and gentle dignity, and almost the first words he said to Mrs. Kennedy were, “It is well for your daughter, Mrs. Kennedy, that you have at last come; she has missed you sadly.”
“And has needed me?” Mrs. Kennedy smiled.
“Yes, I think that, too. Every girl needs a wise, good mother. I saw—” he turned to Agnes—“I saw Humphrey Muirhead to-day.”
“Oh, did you tell him?”
“About the will? Yes.”
“And what did he say?”
Parker smiled. “I think it would hardly do to repeat his very uncomplimentary remarks, but he vows you will never set foot on the place.”
“What of your own land?”
“I have bought it.”
“You are not afraid of having such a disagreeable neighbor?”