Flannigan looked vacantly at the pretty child. Somehow a gleam of hope did stir in his heart. That child was very uncommon and remarkable. He had never, never seen her like before. He wondered whether he could manage to run away with Norah. But ten minutes after Margot had departed, his little flicker of courage had left him, and he sat down a weary, desolate man, who felt very old and good-for-nothing.
He was really fond of Norah, and he did not see why he should be abused because his grandfather was a labourer on the Desmondstown estates.
Meanwhile Margot, having quite made up her mind, went quickly in the direction of Phinias Maloney's bit of a houseen. She kissed the children who were basking in the sun and picking flowers to throw them away again.
She snatched up the baby and covered his small face with her kisses. Then she went into the little kitchen to Annie Maloney.
"Why, whatever," exclaimed Annie; "my blessed missie, what do you want?"
"Where's Phinias?" asked little Margot.
"He's over beyont; ye can see him if ye look. He's planting cabbages for the summer."
"Annie," said Margot, "are you great enough to be good in a very great cause?"
"Well, now, whatever does the bit thing mean?" said Annie.