’But, Eliza, a girl likes to live in her own country.  Mind you, I am responsible.  I drove her out of her country among strangers.  She’s living among Protestants.’

‘I don’t think that will trouble her very much.’

’I don’t know why you say that, Eliza.  Do you think that a woman cannot repent? that because she happens to have sinned once—­’

’No; I suppose there are repentant sinners, but I think we most often go on as we begin.  Now, you see, Father O’Grady says that she’s getting on very well in London, and we like to live among those who appreciate us.’

’Well, Eliza, of course, if you start with the theory that no one can repent—­’

’I didn’t say that, Oliver.  But she wouldn’t tell you who the man was.  She seems a person of character—­I mean, she doesn’t seem to be lacking in strength of character.’

’She’s certainly a most excellent musician.  You’ll find no one like her, and you may be able to get her very cheap.  And if your school doesn’t pay—­’

A shade passed across the Reverend Mother’s face.

‘There’s no doubt that the new wing has cost us a great deal of money.’

‘Then there are the French nuns—­’

’My dear Oliver, if you wish me to engage Miss Glynn as music-mistress I’ll do so.  There’s no use speaking to me about the French nuns.  I’ll engage her because you ask me, but I cannot pay her as much as those who have diplomas.  How much do you think she’d come for?’

’I don’t know what she’s earning in London, but I suppose you can pay her an average wage.  You could pay her according to results.’

‘What you say is quite true, Oliver.’  The priest and the nun continued their walk up and down in front of the unfinished building.  ’But you don’t know, Oliver, if she’s willing to leave London.  You’ll have to write and find out.’

’Very well, Eliza, I’ll write.  You’ll be able to offer her as much as she was earning in my parish as schoolmistress.  That’s fifty pounds a year.’

‘It’s more than we can afford, Oliver, but if you wish it.’

’I do wish it, Eliza.  Thank you.  You’ve taken a great weight off my mind.’

They passed into the house, and, stopping in front of the writing-table, the nun looked to see if there were paper and envelopes in the blotter.

‘You’ll find everything you want, even sealing-wax,’ she said.  ’Now I’ll leave you.’

From Father Oliver Gogarty to Miss Nora Glynn.

’TINNICK CONVENT,

’June 4, 19—­.

’DEAR MISS GLYNN,