Acts of Mercy

Seven

Yes, Elizabeth, what is it?

You asked me to come by at three o’clock, Mrs. Augustine. Don’t you remember?

Three o’clock. Yes.

Is everything all right?

Why shouldn’t everything be all right?

Well-you seem preoccupied…

Do I? It’s because painful decisions have been made in this house today, Elizabeth. Terribly painful decisions.

What decisions?

And they should have been made long before this. Now I pray to God it’s not too late.

I don’t understand You’re not supposed to understand.

Mrs Augustine…

No. I’ve said too much already; I’m talking too much. I suppose it’s because you inspire confidence. You always have.

Are you sure you don’t want to discuss it?

I can’t discuss it. Don’t press me, Elizabeth. Please.

All right, Mrs. Augustine.

You’ll find out soon enough-part of it, anyway. Everyone will find out soon enough.