"Yes, sir?" she said.
"I will begin with the second first. It is of my son Robin: I wish to know what news you have of him. He hath not written to me this six months back. And I hear that letters sometimes come to you from him."
Marjorie hesitated.
"He is very well, so far as I know," she said.
"And when is he to be made priest?" he demanded sharply.
Marjorie drew a breath to give herself time; she knew that she must not answer this; and did not know how to say so with civility.
"If he has not told you himself, sir," she said, "I cannot."
The old man's face twitched; but he kept his manners. "I understand you, mistress…." But then his wrath overcame him. "But he must understand he will have no mercy from me, if he comes my way. I am a magistrate, now, mistress, and—"
A thought like an inspiration came to the girl; and she interrupted; for she longed to penetrate this man's armour.
"Perhaps that was why he did not tell you when he was to be made priest," she said.