"No, I haven't been sparkin' with him, Andy; at least, not lately. He's my husband. We got married three months ago."
"And didn't tell me?" said Andy, between pleasure and anger.
"No, we wanted to come over here, and we couldn't have come if it hadn't been for the money you sent."
"Why, Dora, how mean you treated Andy!" broke out Margaret.
"I knew you'd take up for him," said Dora pitifully, "but what could I do, sure? You won't hurt Billy, now, will you, Andy? He's afeard of you."
"Well," said Andy, straightening up his fine form with a smile of relief, "tell Billy that I wish him much j'y, and that I'll be afther thankin' him with all my heart the very first time I see him for the kindness he's afther doin' me. Good-night, Mrs. Billy Caughey, good luck to ye! As Mag says she don't keer fer me, I'll be after going home alone." This last was said bitterly as he opened the door.
"O Andy! wait fer me—do!" said Margaret.
"Ain't you stayin' to see Billy?" asked Dora.
"Not me. It's with Andy Doyle I'm afther goin'," cried Margaret, with a lightness she had not known for a year.
And the two went out together.