“And he said to me that it wouldn’t do for me to be dressed up any way foolish like.”
“Let Constable Moriarty mind his own business,” said Dr. O’Grady. “You go back and tell Mrs. Gregg what I say.”
The other members of the committee sat listening with amazed interest to all Dr. O’Grady said to Mary Ellen. Even Doyle was too much astonished to attempt an interruption. He said nothing till the doctor, having dismissed Mary Ellen, returned to the table. Then he spoke.
“And who’s going to pay for the green ribbon which is to go along with the stockings? Who’s going to pay for it? That’s what I’m asking you. You needn’t be thinking that I will.”
“Gentlemen,” said Dr. O’Grady, “I owe you all an apology. I’m afraid I lost my temper for a minute or two. Father McCormack, I beg your pardon, and if I said—as I fear I did say—anything disrespectful to you as chairman——”
“Don’t speak another word, Doctor,” said Father McCormack, “you’ve said enough. Sure anyone might have been betrayed into a strong expression when he was provoked. Not that you said a word to me that you’ve any reason to be sorry for.”
“Major Kent,” said Dr. O’Grady, “if I’ve in any way insulted you——”
“Not worse than usual,” said Major Kent. “I’m quite accustomed to it.”
“Mr. Doyle,” said the doctor, “I’m afraid that in the heat of the moment I may have—but I can do no more than ask your pardon———”
“I don’t care a thraneen,” said Doyle, “what you called me, and I’ll give you leave to call me that and more every day of the week if you see your way to get the £100 out of the American gentleman.”