"
As she said this she turned once more to Mr Graham, who sat listening
with a queer, amused, but right courteous smile.
"I hope you will pardon me," she continued, "for venturing to
call upon you, and, as I have the misfortune to find you occupied,
allow me to call another day. If you would set me a time, I should
be more obliged than I can tell you," she concluded, her voice
trembling a little.
"Stay now, if you will, madam," returned the schoolmaster, with a
bow of oldest fashioned courtesy. "This lady has done laying her
commands upon me, I believe."
"As you think proper to call them commands, Mr Graham, I conclude
you intend to obey them," said Mrs Marshal, with a forced smile
and an attempt at pleasantry.
"Not for the world, madam," he answered. "Your son is acting the
part of a gentleman--yes, I make bold to say, of one who is very
nigh the kingdom of heaven, if not indeed within its gate, and before
I would check him I would be burnt at the stake--even were your
displeasure the fire, madam," he added, with a kindly bow. "Your
son is a line fellow."
"He would be, if he were left to himself. Good evening, Mr Graham.
Goodbye, rather, for I think we are not likely to meet again."
"In heaven, I hope, madam; for by that time we shall be able to
understand each other," said the schoolmaster, still kindly.
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