Before the Medlicots started that night the old lady made a
proposition that the Heathcotes and Miss Daly should eat the
Christmas dinner at Medlicot's Mill. Mrs. Heathcote, thinking perhaps
of her sister, thoroughly liking what she herself had seen of the
Medlicots, looked anxiously into Harry's face. If he would consent to
this, an intimacy would follow, and probably a real friendship be
made.

"It's out of the question," he said. The very firmness, however, with
which he spoke gave a certain cordiality even to his refusal. "I must
be at home, so that the men may know where to find me till I go out
for the night." Then, after a pause, he continued, "As we can't go to
you, why should you not come to us?"

So it was at last decided, much to Harry's own astonishment, much to
his wife's delight. Kate, therefore, when she lay awake, thinking of
the one word that had been spoken, knew that there would be an
opportunity for another word.

Medlicot drove his mother home safely, and, after he had taken her
into the house, encountered Nokes on his return from Boolabong, as
has been told at the close of the last chapter.




CHAPTER VIII.

"I DO WISH HE WOULD COME!"