The message was curt, and even cold, but it brought her no disquiet. Marriage! That was the only vision it conjured up. The death of the Deemster had hastened things--that was the meaning of the urgency. Port Mooar was near to Ballure--that was why she had to go so far. They would have to face gossip, perhaps backbiting, perhaps even abuse--that was the reason she had to be brave. Why and how the Deemster's death should affect her marriage with Philip was a matter she did not puzzle out. She had vague memories of girls marrying in delightful haste and sailing away with their husbands, and being gone before you had time to think they were to go. But this new fact of her life was only a part of the great mystery, and was not to be explained by everyday ideas and occurrences. Kate ran up to dress, and came down like a bud bursting into flower. She had dressed more carefully than ever. Philip had great expectations; he must not be disappointed. Making the excuse of shopping, she was setting off towards Ramsey, when her father shouted from the stable that he was for driving the same way. The mare was harnessed to the gig, and they got up together. Cæsar had made inquiries and calculations. He had learned that the _Johannesburg_, from Cape Town, arrived in Liverpool the day before; and he concluded that Pete's effects would come by the _Peveril_, the weekly steamer to Ramsay, on Saturday morning, The _Peveril_ left Liverpool at eight; she would be due at three. Cæsar meant to be on the quay at two. “It's my duty as a parent, Kate,” said he. “What more natural but there's something for yourself? It's my duty as a pastor, too, for there's Manx ones going that's in danger of the devil of covetousness, and it's doing the Lord's work to put them out of the reach of temptation. You may exhort with them till you're black in the face, but it's throwing good money in the mud. Just _chuck!_ No ring at all; no way responsive!” Kate was silent, and Cæsar added familiarly, “Of course, it's my right too, for when a man's birth is _that_ way, there's no heirship by blood, and possession is nine points of the law. That's so, Kate. You needn't be looking so hard. It's truth enough, girl. I've had advocate's opinion.” Kate had looked, but had not listened. The matter of her father's talk was too trivial, it's interest was too remote. As they drove, she kept glancing seaward and asking what time it was. “Aw, time enough yet, woman,” said Cæsar. “No need to be unaisy at all. She'll not be round the Head for an hour anyway. Will you come along with me to the quay, then? No? Well, better not, maybe.” At the door of a draper's she got down from the gig, and told her father not to wait for her on going home. Cæsar moistened his forefinger and held it in the air a moment. “Then don't be late,” said he, “there's weather coming.”