“I don’t think he was at all nice,” she cried scornfully. “He deserved all he got, and—and the woman, too. And anyway, I don’t think his curse amounts to small peas. A man like that—not even his heathen gods would take any notice of.”
Kate rose from her chair laughing.
“Tell the boys of this village that. Ask them what they think of the pine.”
“I’ve heard Dirty O’Brien say he loves it,” protested Helen obstinately. “Doesn’t know how he could get on without it.”
“There, Mr. Bryant, didn’t I tell you she kept bad company? Dirty O’Brien! What a name.” Kate looked at the clock. “Good gracious, it’s nearly eight o’clock, and I have—to go out.”
Bill was on his feet in a moment.
“And all the time I’m supposed to be investigating the village and making the acquaintance of this very Dirty O’Brien,” he said. “You see, Charlie had to go out, as I told you. He didn’t say when he’d get back. So——.” He held out his hand to the elder sister.
“Did Charlie say—where he was going?” she inquired quickly, as she shook hands.
Bill laughed, and shook his head.
“No,” he replied. “And somehow he didn’t invite me to ask—either.”