Mrs. Milo attempted to square those slender shoulders. "I won't have that girl at the Rectory," she replied with finality.
Farvel smiled. "But the Rectory is my home, Mrs. Milo."
"Oh, for the sake of the child, mother! For no other reason."
"If she comes, I shall leave—leave for good!"
Farvel bowed an acceptance of her edict. "Well, she is coming," he said firmly; "and so is Barbara."
"Then I shan't sleep under that roof another night!" Mrs. Milo trembled with wrath. "Come, Susan! We shall do some packing." She bustled to the hall door, but paused there to right her bonnet—an excuse for delaying her departure against the capitulation of her opponents. She longed to speak at greater length and more plainly, but she dreaded what Farvel might say against her son.
Sue did not follow. "But, mother!" she whispered. "Mr. Farvel!—Oh, don't let her hear any of this!" She motioned the clergyman toward the rear room. "Sh!—You offer to help her! Go in there! Oh, do!"
He nodded. "And you'll come with us to the Rectory?"
"Indeed, she won't!" cried Mrs. Milo, coming back. "The very idea!"
Farvel ignored her. "You see," he added, with just a touch of humor, "we'll have to have a chaperone." He knocked.