"My little Maureen!" he murmured. "God, my Heavenly Father, help me. Can it be possible that what the woman says is true--that terrible woman, whom once I loved and--and married? Oh, my God, to have to face Maurice, my dearest brother, and tell him about little Maureen."
Just then a light touch rested on the stricken man's shoulder. He raised his face and saw with astonishment his young son Dominic beside him.
"Dad," said Dominic, "Maureen and I were talking together about you. You can't imagine, dad, how lovely the air is outside. We were a bit anxious about you--Maureen and I--and (as 'herself' was away) we thought--Maureen and I did--that you might come out and lie on the thick rug with a pile of pillows under your head. You know the spot I mean. It is where the periwinkles grow and the tall trees shelter us from the hottest rays of the sun. Well, it was a little plan we made between us, Maureen and I; but when I came to fetch you--I'm not ashamed to own it, dearest old dad,--but the door was a bit open, and I heard voices and I listened. 'Herself' had come back and I heard her say that she would do nothing at all for Maureen; then I heard you say, you blessed man, that you would, when the time came, divide all your own money between Kitty and Maureen and Denis and myself. You will do it, won't you, dear dad?"
"But how can it not be possible when we _all_ wish it?" asked the boy.
"Listen, Dominic. Perhaps you had no right to overhear, but on the other hand perhaps God meant it. Anyhow you are on my side now."
"Dad, tell me the very truth. You are not really ill?"
"But I mean"--the boy's voice choked--"badly?"
"That's true. Now, avick, listen to me. Your step-mother will return from visiting Murphy to-night. I greatly fear she will do what mischief she can. I have a great dread over me, Dom; I can't quite explain it; but to-morrow you and I will go together and see the solicitor. Oh yes, I am quite well enough for that. I'll get the truth out of him, cost me what it may. I won't listen to a word of what _she_ has got to say. We'll go early in the warm part of the day and find out for ourselves what can be done for Maureen."
"Dad, there never was your like before. We'll go, and we'll put things as right as possible; and now, would it at all comfort you to come out and lie on the periwinkles where Maureen is waiting, for she has heard a few words, nothing of any consequence, but they have troubled her, and her dear, brave little heart is almost breaking. She loves you so passionately."