Major Kent, bruised by the vigour of his friend's eloquence, accosted
Miss King in the church porch after service; apologised for not having
formally called on her; and invited her to go yachting with him next
day in the _Spindrift_. Miss King accepted the invitation, and then,
worked up perhaps to an unusual pitch of friendliness by the sermon,
asked the Major to go back to Ballymoy House with her for luncheon.
Meldon appeared from the door of the vestry room and urged the Major to
accept the invitation.
"As I expected," he said, "Simpkins wasn't in church.--How do you do,
Miss King? I'm glad you and the Major have made friends. You're sure
to like each other.--So I shall have to go round to his house and look
him up. I daresay he'll give me a bite to eat; and if he doesn't,
Doyle will. You will of course accept"--he appeared to be addressing
Major Kent--"Miss King's invitation. I'll call round for you at about
four. I daresay Miss King will give us both a cup of tea. You drive
her home in your trap, Major. I can walk down to Simpkins' house quite
easily."
Meldon, carrying his hat in one hand, strode off in the direction of
Mr.
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