10: Mary Ellen’s PredicamentJack received a summons during breakfast to go immediately to his landlord’s study. He felt as though history was repeating itself when he entered the room and saw Father O’Driscoll in the armchair and Thomas MacBride behind the desk. Jack stood in front of them and waited to be reprimanded, wondering what unknown transgression he was to be carpeted for this time. It could be nothing to do with Mary Ellen. She had been avoiding him since their encounter in the alleyway several weeks ago and had abandoned their regular reading lessons.
The unknown transgression must have been serious as MacBride looked as though he was ready to disembowel him. He could hardly bring himself to speak. The words he finally spoke were shot at Jack like gunfire.
‘Despicable reprobat
