‘Well, Mary—­’

’Eliza loves ruling everybody, and just because I am her sister she is harder on me than anyone else.  Only the other day she was furious with me because I stopped at confession a few minutes longer than usual.  “I think,” she said, “you might spare Father Higgins your silly scruples.”  Now, how is one to stop in a convent if one’s own sister interferes in one’s confessions?’

‘Well, Mary, what are you thinking of doing?’

’There are some French nuns who have just come over and want to open a school, and are looking for Irish subjects.  I was thinking they’d like to have me.  You see, I wouldn’t have to go through the novitiate again, for they want an experienced person to teach them English and to mind the school for them.  It is really a mistake to be under one’s own sister.’

At that moment the door opened and Eliza came in, apologizing for having kept her brother so long waiting.

’You see, my dear Oliver, I’ve had two mothers here this morning, and you know what parents are.  I suppose Mary has told you about our difficulties.  Now, do you mean to say that you have found a person who will suit us?...  It is really very kind of you.’

’I can’t say for certain, Eliza.  Of course, it is difficult for me to know exactly what you want, but, so far as I know, I think the person I have in my mind will suit you.’

‘But has she a diploma from the Academy?  We must have a certificate.’

’I think she’ll suit you, but we’ll talk about her presently.  Don’t you think we might go into the garden?’

’Yes, it will be pleasanter in the garden.  And you, Mary—­you’ve had your little chat with Oliver.’

’I was just going, Eliza.  If I’d known that Oliver wanted to speak privately to you, I’d have gone sooner.’

‘No, no, I assure you, Mary.’

Mary held out her hand to her brother, saying: 

’I suppose I shall not see you again, unless, perhaps, you’re stopping the night with Father Higgins.  It would be nice if you could do that.  You could say Mass for us in the morning.’

Father Oliver shook his head.

‘I’m afraid I must get back to-night.’

‘Well, then, good-bye.’  And Mary went out of the room regretfully, like one who knows that the moment her back is turned all her faults will become the subject of conversation.

’I hear from Mary that some French nuns are coming over, and want to open a school.  I hope that won’t interfere with yours, Eliza; you spent a great deal of money upon the new wing.’

’It will interfere very much indeed; but I’m trying to get some of the nuns to come here, and I hope the Bishop will not permit a new foundation.  It’s very hard upon us Irish women if we are to be eaten out of house and home by pious foreigners.  I’m in correspondence with the Bishop about it.  As for Mary—­’

‘You surely don’t think she’s going to leave?’