Jim coming home! Jim coming home! Christina felt wild at the thought! If he had the money, what delay would there be only to ask Nelly, and she would have him, fast enough! The thing was as good as done. Nelly was to the good yet, as long as there was nothing settled with Heffernan. Oh, if only Jim’s uncle hadn’t died so smart! If only.... But must she tell Nelly? Why need she tell her? Let her alone! Sorra hair Nelly would care! Let her marry Heffernan! One was as good to Nelly, Christina really believed, as another! She would very soon content herself at the Furry Farm ... and then.... Oh, if only Heffernan would marry her at once, and end the thing! If once Nelly was out of the way.
But Jim, Jim, that had trusted her with his secret! Christina began to think of this now, and that Jim had told her everything, and as good as asked her to look after Nelly for him! Would it be fair to Jim? How could she play him such a dirty, mean trick, as to keep this news from Nelly, knowing all it meant, knowing that Jim intended Nelly to hear it?
She would tell Nelly. Of course she would! How could she do anything else but tell her? But it appeared as if something always came in the way that morning. She started off to find Nelly, and read the letter with its wonderful news to her; and she couldn’t find her.
Christina had been to first Mass; and now Nelly was off to second Mass, a bit late, as often happened her; and hurrying all she could, hoping to get a lift on a neighbour’s car.... So she was a piece off, down the hill, when Christina called to her; and not a foot she’d come back!
And what was Christina to do? There was the letter, burning in her pocket, and never a chance of telling about it to Nelly, the one that was most concerned; because, when she got back from the chapel, she had Heffernan with her, all dressed out in his best; and Christina thought it would not answer to have any talk of Jim then; and of course no more it would.
The same thing, while the dinner was going on; no opportunity for a word with Nelly.
“It isn’t to be, now!” Christina said to herself; she might indeed have spoken to Nelly, if she had really made up her mind to it, but the minute they were done eating, Heffernan said, “I may’s well have a look at that hay you were telling me about, now. And this little girl will show me the way!” meaning Nelly.
“Very well!” said Christina, wondering in herself how cute old Mickey was, to make a chance for himself!
So they got up from the table. Heffernan took his stick, that he never could do without, since his accident at the fair of Balloch, and there was Nelly all smiling, quite ready; and off they went together; December and May.
Before they were farther than the yard, Christina called after them: “Nelly! Nelly, come here a minute...!”