The steps died away and Ethel rose to her feet and looked down the pathway.
Cherry was walking toward the edge of the pine woods and by her side walked a young man in whom the animation of youth seemed to be temporarily arrested.
He had not spoken a word in our hearing but we knew from the shape of his back that it was Jack.
“Three proposals in one day,” said Ethel in awed tones.
“Well, she’s worth it,” said I, and was a little astonished that Ethel did not second my assertion.
“Isn’t that Pat Casey walking with a priest?” asked Ethel suddenly.
“Yes, that’s Father Hogan and Rev. Mr. Hughson told me he was one of the greatest influences for good in Egerton.”
“I wonder if he will stop Pat from using profanity.”
“Maybe he won’t try to.”
Just then Pat left the priest, touching his cap as he did so, and a moment later he saw us and hurried over with the light little step peculiar to him, lifting his shocking bad hat as he came.