A half-hour later a trim-looking boy presented himself at the sitting-room door.
"Come in, Pat," invited the General, looking up from his paper with a smile.
Pat smiled back again, but it was to Mrs. Brady that he turned as he entered the room.
"Mrs. Brady, ma'am," he said, "the dishes are done and the kitchen made neat. Will you have me to be doin' something more for you this evenin'?"
"No, Pat," replied Mrs. Brady kindly. "Your work, for to-day, is done. You may take off your apron."
"Yes, ma'am. Would you kindly be lettin' me go home a little while then?"
Pat's look was eager but submissive.
"Certainly, Pat," was the reply. "Take the kitchen key with you."
"Thank you, kindly, ma'am," returned Pat gratefully. And with another smile for the General, who had not resumed his reading, the boy left the room, and, shortly after, the house.
"Listen!" cried Mrs. O'Callaghan, with uplifted ringer. And the rollicking talk about her ceased on the instant.