"Ah, so you found it possible to get out of harness for once?" said John
affably, as they took their seats.
"Yes, by a lucky chance I had no case on hand that could not do without
me for twenty-four hours. And my engagement-book I can leave with
perfect confidence to my wife."
"Mary is no doubt a very capable woman; I noticed that afresh, when last
she was with us," returned John; and went on to tick off Mary's
qualities like a connoisseur appraising the points of a horse. "A
misfortune that she is not blessed with any family," he added.
Mahony stiffened; and responded dryly: "I'm not sure that I agree with
you. With all her energy and spirit Mary is none too strong."
"Well, well! these things are in the hands of Providence; we must take
what is sent us." And caressing his bare chin John gave a hearty yawn.
The words flicked Mahony's memory: John had had an addition to his
family that winter, in the shape--to the disappointment of all
concerned--of a second daughter. He offered belated congratulations. "A
regular Turnham this time, according to Mary. But I am sorry to hear
Jane has not recovered her strength."
"Oh, Jane is doing very well. But it has been a real disadvantage that
she could not nurse. The infant is . . . well, ah . . . perfectly
formed, of course, but small--small."
"You must send them both to Mary, to be looked after."
The talk then passed to John's son, now a schoolboy in Geelong; and John
admitted that the reports he received of the lad continued as
unsatisfactory as ever.
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