“Oh! yes; and that does it, then?  And what next?”

“She ought to receive Holy Communion, and anointing, if she is in danger of death.”

Oliver twitched suddenly.

“Christ!” he said softly.

“Oliver!” cried the girl entreatingly.  “Please leave this to me.  It is much better so.—­And then, I suppose, Father Franklin, you want to give those other things to my mother, too?”

“They are not absolutely necessary,” said the priest, feeling, he did not know why, that he was somehow playing a losing game.

“Oh! they are not necessary?  But you would like to?”

“I shall do so if possible.  But I have done what is necessary.”

It required all his will to keep quiet.  He was as a man who had armed himself in steel, only to find that his enemy was in the form of a subtle vapour.  He simply had not an idea what to do next.  He would have given anything for the man to have risen and flown at his throat, for this girl was too much for them both.

“Yes,” she said softly.  “Well, it is hardly to be expected that my husband should give you leave to come here again.  But I am very glad that you have done what you think necessary.  No doubt it will be a satisfaction to you, Father Franklin, and to the poor old thing upstairs, too.  While we—–­ we—­” she pressed her husband’s knee—­“we do not mind at all.  Oh!—­but there is one thing more.”

“If you please,” said Percy, wondering what on earth was coming.

“You Christians—­forgive me if I say anything rude—­but, you know, you Christians have a reputation for counting heads, and making the most of converts.  We shall be so much obliged, Father Franklin, if you will give us your word not to advertise this—­this incident.  It would distress my husband, and give him a great deal of trouble.”

“Mrs. Brand—–­” began the priest.

“One moment....  You see, we have not treated you badly.  There has been no violence.  We will promise not to make scenes with my mother.  Will you promise us that?”

Percy had had time to consider, and he answered instantly.

“Certainly, I will promise that.”

Mabel sighed contentedly.

“Well, that is all right.  We are so much obliged....  And I think we may say this, that perhaps after consideration my husband may see his way to letting you come here again to do Communion and—­and the other thing—–­”

Again that spasm shook the man beside her.

“Well, we will see about that.  At any rate, we know your address, and can let you know....  By the way, Father Franklin, are you going back to Westminster to-night?”

He bowed.

“Ah!  I hope you will get through.  You will find London very much excited.  Perhaps you heard—–­”

“Felsenburgh?” said Percy.

“Yes.  Julian Felsenburgh,” said the girl softly, again with that strange excitement suddenly alight in her eyes.  “Julian Felsenburgh,” she repeated.  “He is there, you know.  He will stay in England for the present.”