“Oh, they will if you squeeze them a bit. Arrangements are extraordinary pliable things if you handle them firmly, and we’d like to have you. A speech from you about the General would be most interesting. It would stimulate the whole population. Wouldn’t it, Major?”
“I’d like to hear it,” said the Major.
“Good-bye then, for the present,” said Dr. O’Grady. “Come along, Major. By the way, Doyle, if Thady takes a drop too much to drink, and he may, don’t let him start boring Mr. Billing about Home Rule.”
He took Major Kent by the arm and walked off. Until they passed the end of the street and were well out on the lonely road which led to the Major’s house, neither of them spoke. Then the Major broke the silence.
“I hope, O’Grady, that you’re satisfied with that performance.”
“To tell you the truth, Major, I’m not.”
“I’m surprised to hear that,” said the Major. “You’ve told the most outrageous lies I ever heard. You’ve—-”
“I gave the only possible explanation of a rather difficult situation.”
“You’ve made a laughing stock of a respectable girl.”
“I’ve given Mary Ellen a great uncle that she ought to be proud to own. That’s not what’s bothering me.”