"It is against myself that I am asking a girl to leave the
convent, even for you, Peter," said James. "But we can think of
nothing else."
"Peter will be able to tell us if it is a sin that we'd be doing."
"It is only right that Catherine should know the truth before she
made her vows," Peter said. "But this is very unexpected, father.
I really--"
"Peter, I'd take it as a great kindness. I shall never do a hand's
turn in this country. I want to get to America. It will be the
saving of me."
"And now, Peter," said his father, "tell us for sure if you will
have the girl?"
"Faith I will, though I never thought of marriage, if it be to
please James." Seeing how heart-sick his brother was, he said, "I
can't say I like her as you like her; but if she likes me I will
promise to do right by her. James, you're going away; we may never
see you again. It is all very sad. And now you'll let me go back
to bed."
"Peter, I knew you would not say no to me; I can't bear this any
longer."
"And now," said Peter, "let me go back to bed. I am catching my
death."
And he ran back to his room, and left his brother and father
talking by the fire.
V
Pat thought the grey mare would take him in faster than the old
red horse; and the old man sat, his legs swinging over the shaft,
wondering what he should say to the Reverend Mother, and how she
would listen to his story; and when he came to the priest's house
a great wish came upon him to ask the priest's advice.
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