“Sure she is upstairs, after packing, and a bit tired, sir. If you will come along with me I will let her know”; and Mrs. Hogan conducted him into the best sitting-room.
In a few minutes Mrs. Aron entered, still wearing her bonnet and cloak.
“So you have brought it, I suppose?” she began abruptly.
“Yes. I’m awfully sorry: it’s only nine pounds after all.”
“Oh, I’ll make it do, and I am ever so much obliged to you; you’ll be no loser by me,” she added with emphasis.
“I am sorry my people were—were—a bit rough, and I hope you won’t tell my aunt more than you can possibly help. I know my mother has been bothered lately with several things, and I daresay my aunt would be vexed if she heard that she had not——well, you know what I mean: ignorance is bliss.”
“Young man, you never said a truer word!” declared Mrs. Aron, with unexpected emphasis. As she spoke she rose and walked over to the glass above the chimney-piece, leaving the money on the table. Ulick sat for a moment buried in thought; then he turned about to look for his cap. It was on the floor. He stooped for it, and when he raised his head Mrs. Aron had disappeared. In her place stood a tall, rather elegant woman with a slight figure and quantities of grey hair.
Ulick Doran started to his feet, and stared at the lady in stupefied silence. The stranger was the first to speak.
“Come here and give me a kiss, Ulick; I am your aunt Nora.”