At this crisis Griffith, who, to tell the truth, had received a signal from Kate, rushed at Father Francis and fell upon his neck, and said with great rapidity: "O Father Francis, 'tis to you I owe her,—you and I are friends for life. So long as we have a house there is a bed in it for you, and whilst we have a table to sit down to there's a plate at it for you, and a welcome, come when you will."
Having gabbled these words he winked at Kate, and fled swiftly.
Father Francis was taken aback a little by this sudden burst of affection. First he stared,—then he knitted his brows,—then he pondered.
Kate stole a look at him, and her eyes sought the ground.
"That is the gentleman you arranged matters with last night?" said he, drily.
"Yes," replied Kate, faintly.
"Was this scene part of the business?"
"O father!"
"Why I ask, he did it so unnatural. Mr. Gaunt is a worthy, hospitable gentleman; he and I are very good friends; and really I never doubted that I should be welcome in his house——until this moment."
"And can you doubt it now?"