“Bless my soul!” exclaimed Miss Katherine, as she looked out of the window. “Mr. Murphy!”
For almost the first time in her life she experienced a pang of jealousy and pique. When she had advocated tolerancy towards the suspect, it must be confessed that Miss Katherine was influenced by more than one consideration. She had been inclined to think that if the stranger came again, she would be the magnet and not the treasure. And now here he was pottering around with Joseph!
She didn’t stay vexed long, for soon she thought he might have been coming to see her and Joseph in his stupid way had stopped him with questions about his flowers. And then he very likely was fond of flowers and gardening. All nice men were. The Captain had been passionately fond of them.
Finally Miss Katherine sallied out with her most engaging countenance.
“So you have pressed Mr. Murphy into service, Joseph?” she asked brightly.
“Eh?” returned Joseph. How did Kate know this neighbor’s name?
“I haven’t even introduced myself to your brother, Miss Boulby,” explained Mr. Murphy. “We have been working so hard I clear forgot.”
“I mentioned Mr. Murphy’s calling, if you remember,” said Miss Katherine to her brother, nudging him sharply.
“Oh, Mr. Murphy,” repeated Joseph. He recollected it all now, and being no actor, dared do nothing but stare.
“You must come in to tea,” said Miss Katherine to Mr. Murphy, who accepted promptly.