"
"Ned and I never talk politics; we used to, but that is a long
time ago."
"He will only ruin himself. But I think you said you came to
consult me about something."
"Yes. You see a very large part of my money is spent in politics
and I am not certain that I should not withdraw my money. It is
for that I have come to consult you."
Ellen had been addressing the little outline of the priest's
profile, but when he heard the subject on which she had come to
consult him he turned and she saw his large face, round and
mottled. A little light gathered in his wise and kindly eyes, and
Ellen guessed that he had begun to see his way out of the
difficulty, and she was glad of it, for she reckoned her
responsibility at a number of souls. The priest spoke very kindly,
he seemed to understand how difficult it would be for her to tell
her husband that she could not give him any more money unless he
promised not to attack the clergy or religion, but she must do so.
He pointed out that to attack one was to attack the other, for the
greater mass of mankind understands religion only through the
clergy.
"You must not only withdraw your money," he said, "but you must
use your influence to dissuade him."
"I am afraid," said Ellen, "that when I tell him that I must
withdraw my money, and that you have told me to do so--"
"You need not say that I told you to do so."
"I cannot keep anything back from my husband. I must tell him the
whole truth," she said. "And when I tell him everything, I shall
not only lose any influence that may remain, but I doubt very much
if my husband will continue to live with me.
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