Arriving at his second cup of tea, David spoke. The conversation so far had been more or less trivial. Here, it would appear, was a weightier matter.
“I’ve been asked to dine at the Castle on Thursday.”
“Yes?” From Father Maloney’s voice one might have judged the information as not altogether a surprise.
“I’ve accepted,” said David.
“Yes?” said Father Maloney again. He perceived that there was something further to come.
David reddened slightly beneath his tan.
“The fact is,” he blurted out, “I’d forgotten all about dress clothes. I know people do wear the things. I haven’t got such a suit to my name.”
Father Maloney cut a slice of cake.
“Sure, such things are not obligatory in the country at all, they are not,” quoth he calmly. “In the town now—but the country, ’tis quite another matter.” He looked straight at David’s anxious eyes.
“Sure?” demanded David.