Page:The Redemption of Anthony (1911).djvu/99

 "Now, it's one thing to be kissed by a beau in the moonlight," Mrs. Crompton continued; "but by a parson in broad daylight, out in the garden—why, it's a scandal!"

"Are you going to spoil everything for my Parson, Mrs. Nan?" demanded the girl.

"I can't say—it looks a little like it," Mrs. Crompton answered. "But don't you worry about him, Pussy-cat," she added. "Any man, be he parson or prodigal, can take care of himself in affairs of the heart."

She picked up a magazine, nodded to them, and went out on the porch. Mrs. Martin gave Priscilla her book, and then went and threw herself down on the couch at the end of the room, behind the grand piano. All was silent for awhile, and then the door slammed, and Priscilla looked up to see Drake at the door of the living-room. A lightning-like change went over his face, and he took two quick steps toward her.

"Priscilla!" he said breathlessly. "Priscilla!"

She half rose, and held out both her hands.