Father Maloney’s eyes twinkled.
“There is not,” quoth he. “Or, at all events, your stammering will stand you in good stead.”
And then Anastasia rang the tea-bell.
Father Maloney started almost guiltily. Time had stolen a march on him, it would appear. He looked uneasily towards the house.
“That’s your tea-bell,” said David calmly, voicing the obvious.
“It is that,” said Father Maloney. “I—will you be having a cup,” he blurted out.
For one instant, for just one brief instant, David hesitated, then,
“Thanks,” he said.
“’Tis altogether bewitched I am,” groaned Father Maloney inwardly, as he accompanied his guest towards the house.