Mary might mean only kindness to him again, as she had sent word by Jimmy she meant years ago.

He might lose her for the second time.

And again a wave of desire struck Dannie, and left him staggering.
"Ain't you comin', Uncle Dannie ?" called the child's voice at the back door.
"What's your name, little lass ?" inquired Dannie.
"Tilly," answered the little girl promptly.
"Well, Tilly, ye go tell your Aunt Mary I have been in an eelevator handlin' grain, and I'm covered wi' fine dust and chaff that sticks me.
I canna come until I've had a bath, and put on clean clothing.

Tell her to go ahead." The child vanished.

In a second she was back.