Prendergast’s afternoon on that day was a busy one. His first item of business was to inform Mr. Raymond he wished to leave as soon as was convenient. Hard on the heels of this was the matter of getting his own younger brother installed in his place as Raymond’s clerk. As well as permitting his own immediate transfer to the school, this would provide his family some additional income. He dashed the note off home with a happy heart, wishing to settle all details before going to his fiancée with the wonderful news. After a jubilant dinner with her family, he left early, for he wished to see Miss McCormack and thank her in person for her efforts on his behalf. He learned during the interview with Dewar that she had suggested him for the post. He was in Lady Proctor’s saloon when the group from the Abbey arrived. Dewar was vexed to see Holly was already informed of the news. Swithin was considerably annoyed to see her sitting with the competition, both of them smiling in triumph. He must conquer her by his consummate charm.
