'You know that I cannot possibly take you away without first obtaining your father's authority.'
'We shall meet him as we go round the Square. Tell the cabman to drive slowly, I'll keep watch this side, you keep watch that side, we can't miss him.'
'I'm to drive round the Square till you see a gentleman walking?'
'Yes, and then we'll stop you,' said Father White.
Suddenly Agnes cried 'There is father, there.' Father White poked his umbrella through the window, and Agnes screamed, and she had to scream her loudest, so absorbed was the Major.
'Father White called to see me. I've asked him to take me back to the convent. You'll let me go, father? I shall be happier there than at home.'
The Major did not answer and the priest said:
'If you'll allow me, Major Lahens, I'd like to have a few minutes' conversation with you.'
He got out of the cab and Agnes waited anxiously. She could hear them talking, and she prayed that she might sleep at the convent that night. At last the Major came to the cab door and said:
'If you wish, Agnes, to go back to the convent with Father White you can. I'll work hard and make some money and then you'll come and live with me.'