"So soon, child of my love?"
"Yes, Uncle Pat; for they want me even more than you do; and, what's more, you are not to come with me."
"I must. You are not to take that long journey alone."
"Dom will take me. Dom is a splendid traveller, but now there is a great deal to do. May I find Dom? I want to speak to him."
Dominic, who was lingering restlessly about, not far from the bed of periwinkles, was quickly by Maureen's side.
"So the father has told you, Maureen."
"Yes, and of course I'm going, Dom, but he, he must not travel any more. He's just played out. I want you to take me to that school, Dom, dear old boy; but first I want to write a note to 'dear Colonel,' and we can send it by one of the grooms. He must wait for an answer. Then I wish to send a wire to-night to Mrs. Jane Faithful, to tell her I am going."
"You are in a great hurry to leave us, Maureen."
The girl looked at her cousin rather sadly.
"After all, even you don't quite understand," she said. "How can I leave them in misery a day longer if I can help it."