"Well, little one, I do submit to thy hat and feather; only be quick, or I shall go forth without thee."
"If you dare," said Rose impetuously; "for I won't be half a moment."
She ran and extorted from Ryder the new hat and feather, which by rights she was not to have worn until next month.
Griffith and his little girl went all over the well-known premises, he sad and moody, she excited and chattering, and nodding her head down, and cocking her eye up every now and then, to get a glimpse of her feather.
"And don't you go away again, dear papa. It tis so dull without you. Nobody comes here. Mamma won't let 'em."
"Nobody except Father Leonard," said Griffith, bitterly.
"Father Leonard? Why, he never comes here. Leonard! That is the beautiful priest that used to pat me on the head, and bid me love and honor my parents. And so I do. Only mamma is always crying, and you keep away; so how can I love and honor you, when I never see you, and they keep telling me you are good for nothing, and dead."
"My young mistress, when did you see Father Leonard last?" said Griffith, gnawing his lip.
"How can I tell? Why, it was miles ago; when I was a mere girl. You know he went away before you did."
"I know nothing of the kind. Tell me the truth now. He has visited here since I went away."