Fee’sdresswasofcrepeinapeculiarlyrichshadeofblue-grey，andsuitedher，fallingtothefloorinsoftfolds，lowofnecklinebuttightlysleevedtothewrists，lavishlybeaded，muchinthestyleofQueenMary。Likethatimperiouslady，shehadherhairdonehighinbacksweepingpuffs，andtheGillystorehadproducedanimitationpearlchokerandearringswhichwouldfoolallbutacloseinspection。Amagnificentostrich-featherfandyedthesamecolorashergowncompletedtheensemble，notsoostentatiousasitappearedatfirstglance；theweatherwasunusuallyhot，andatsevenintheeveningitwasstillwelloverahundreddegrees。
　　WhenFeeandPaddyemergedfromtheirroom，theboysgaped。Inalltheirlivestheyhadneverseentheirparentssoregallyhandsome，soforeign。Paddylookedhissixty-oneyears，butinsuchadistinguishedwayhemighthavebeenastatesman；whereasFeeseemedsuddenlytenyearsyoungerthanherforty-eight，beautiful，vital，magicallysmiling。JimsandPatsyburstintoshriekingtears，refusingtolookatMumandDaddyuntiltheyrevertedtonormal，andintheflurryofconsternationdignitywasforgotten；MumandDaddybehavedastheyalwaysdid，andsoonthetwinswerebeaminginadmiration。
　　ButitwasatMeggieeveryonestaredthelongest。Perhapsrememberingherowngirlhood，andangeredthatalltheotheryoungladiesinvitedhadorderedtheirgownsfromSydney，theGillydressmakerhadputherheartintoMeggie’sdress。Itwassleevelessandhadalow，drapedneckline；Feehadbeendubious，butMeggiehadimploredandthedressmakerassuredherallthegirlswouldbewearingthesamesortofthing-didshewantherdaughterlaughedatforbeingcountrifiedanddowdy？SoFeehadgiveningracefully。Ofcrepegeorgette，aheavychiffon，thedresswasonlyslightlyfittedatthewaist，butsashedaroundthehipswiththesamematerial。Itwasadusky，palepinkishgrey，thecolorthatinthosedayswascalledashesofroses；betweenthemthedressmakerandMeggiehadembroideredtheentiregownintinypinkrosebuds。AndMeggiehadcutherhairintheclosestwayshecouldtotheshinglecreepingeventhroughtheranksofGillygirls。Itcurledfartoomuchforfashion，ofcourse，butitsuitedherbettershortthanlong。
　　PaddyopenedhismouthtoroarbecauseshewasnothislittlegirlMeggie，butshutitagainwiththewordsunuttered；hehadlearnedfromthatsceneinthepresbyterywithFranklongago。No，hecouldn’tkeepheralittlegirlforever；shewasayoungwomanandshyoftheamazingtransformationhermirrorhadshownher。Whymakeitharderforthepoorlittlebeggar？Heextendedhishandtoher，smilingtenderly。"Oh，Meggie，you’resolovely！Comeon，I’mgoingtoescortyoumyself，andBobandJackshalltakeyourmother。"
　　Shewasjustamonthshortofseventeen，andforthefirsttimeinhislifePaddyfeltreallyold。Butshewasthetreasureofhisheart；nothingshouldspoilherfirstgrown-upparty。
　　Theywalkedtothehomesteadslowly，fartooearlyforthefirstguests；theyweretodinewithMaryCarsonandbeonhandtoreceivewithher。Noonewanteddirtyshoes，butamilethroughDroghedadustmeantapauseinthecookhousetopolishshoes，brushdustfromtrouserbottomsandtrailinghems。FatherRalphwasinhissoutaneasusual；nomaleeveningfashioncouldhavesuitedhimhalfsowellasthatseverelycutrobewithitsslightlyflaringlines，theinnumerablelittleblackclothbuttonsupitsfrontfromhemtocollar，thepurple-edgedmonsignor’ssash。MaryCarsonhaschosentowearwhitesatin，whitelaceandwhiteostrichfeathers。Feestaredatherstupidly，shockedoutofherhabitualindifference。Itwassoincongruouslybridal，sogrosslyunsuitable——whyonearthhadshetrickedherselfoutlikearaddledoldspinsterplayactingatbeingmarried？Shehadgotveryfatoflate，whichdidn’timprovematters。ButPaddyseemedtoseenothingamiss；hestrodeforwardtotakehissister’shands，beaming。Whatadearfellowhewas，thoughtFatherRalphashewatchedthelittlescene，halfamused，halfdetached。
　　"Well，Mary！Howfineyoulook！Likeayounggirl！"IntruthshelookedalmostexactlylikethatfamousphotographofQueenVictoriatakennotlongbeforeshedied。Thetwoheavylineswerethereoneithersideofthemasterfulnose，themulishmouthwassetindomitably，theslightlyprotrudingandglacialeyesfixedwithoutblinkingonMeggie。FatherRalph’sownbeautifuleyespassedfromniecetoaunt，andbacktonieceagain。
　　MaryCarsonsmiledatPaddy，andputherhandonhisarm。"Youmaytakemeintodinner，Padraic。FatherdeBricassartwillescortFiona，andtheboysmustmakedowithMeghannbetweenthem。"OverhershouldershelookedbackatMeggie。"Doyoudancetonight，Meghann？"
　　"She’stooyoung，Mary，she’snotyetseventeen，"saidPaddyquickly，rememberinganotherparentalshortcoming；noneofhischildrenhadbeentaughttodance。
　　"Whatapity，"saidMaryCarson。
　　Itwasasplendid，sumptuous，brilliant，gloriousparty；atleast，theyweretheadjectivesmostbandiedabout。RoyalO’MarawastherefromInishmurray，twohundredmilesaway；hecamethefarthestwithhiswife，sonsandlonedaughter，thoughnotbymuch。Gillypeoplethoughtlittleoftravelingtwohundredmilestoacricketmatch，letaloneaparty。DuncanGordon，fromEach-Uisge；noonehadeverpersuadedhimtoexplainwhyhehadcalledhisstationsofarfromtheoceantheScotsGaelicforaseahorse。MartinKing，hiswife，hissonAnthonyandMrs。Anthony；hewasGilly’sseniorsquatter，sinceMaryCarsoncouldnotbesocalled，beingawoman。EvanPugh，fromBraichyPwll，whichthedistrictpronouncedBrakeypull。
　　DominicO’RourkefromDibban-Dibban，HorryHopetonfromBeel-Beel；anddozensmore。
　　TheywerealmosttothelastfamilypresentCatholic，andfewsportedAnglo-Saxonnames；therewasaboutanequaldistributionofIrish，ScottishandWelsh。No，theycouldnothopeforhomeruleintheoldcountry，nor，ifCatholicinScotlandorWales，formuchsympathyfromtheProtestantindigenes。ButhereinthethousandsofsquaremilesaroundGillanbonetheywerelordstothumbtheirnosesatBritishlords，mastersofalltheysurveyed；Drogheda，thebiggestproperty，wasgreaterinareathanseveralEuropeanprincipalities。Monegasqueprincelings，Liechtensteiniandukes，be-ware！MaryCarsonwasgreater。SotheywhirledinwaltzestothesleekSydneybandandstoodbackindulgentlytowatchtheirchildrendancetheCharleston，atethelobsterpattiesandthechilledrawoysters，drankthefifteen-year-oldFrenchchampagneandthetwelve-year-oldsingle-maltScotch。Ifthetruthwereknown，theywouldratherhaveeatenroastlegoflamborcornedbeef，andmuchpreferredtodrinkcheap，verypotentBundabergrumorGraftonbitterfromthebarrel。Butitwasnicetoknowthebetterthingsoflifeweretheirsfortheasking。
　　Yes，therewereleanyears，manyofthem。Thewoolcheckswerecarefullyhoardedinthegoodyearstoguardagainstthedepredationsofthebad，fornoonecouldpredicttherain。Butitwasagoodperiod，hadbeenforsometime，andtherewaslittletospendthemoneyoninGilly。Oh，onceborntotheblacksoilplainsoftheGreatNorthwesttherewasnoplaceonearthlikeit。Theymadenonostalgicpilgrimagesbacktotheoldcountry；ithaddonenothingforthemsavediscriminateagainstthemfortheirreligiousconvictions，whereAustraliawastooCatholicacountrytodiscriminate。AndtheGreatNorthwestwashome。
　　Besides，MaryCarsonwasfootingthebilltonight。Shecouldwellaffordit。RumorsaidshewasabletobuyandselltheKingofEngland。Shehadmoneyinsteel，moneyinsilver-lead-zinc，moneyincopperandgold，moneyinahundreddifferentthings，mostlythesortofthingsthatliterallyandmetaphoricallymademoney。Droghedahadlongsinceceasedtobethemainsourceofherincome；itwasnomorethanaprofitablehobby。
　　FatherRalphdidn’tspeakdirectlytoMeggieduringdinner，nordidheafterward；throughouttheeveninghestudiouslyignoredher。Hurt，hereyessoughthimwhereverhewasinthereceptionroom。Awareofit，heachedtostopbyherchairandexplaintoherthatitwouldnotdoherreputationorhisanygoodifhepaidhermoreattentionthanhedid，say，MissCarmichael，MissGordonorMissO’Mara。LikeMeggiehedidn’tdance，andlikeMeggiethereweremanyeyesonhim；theywereeasilythetwomostbeautifulpeopleintheroom。
　　Halfofhimhatedherappearancetonight，theshorthair，thelovelydress，thedaintyashes-of-rosessilkslipperswiththeirtwo-inchheels；shewasgrowingtaller，developingaveryfemininefigure。Andhalfofhimwasbusybeingterrificallyproudofthefactthatsheshonealltheotheryoungladiesdown。MissCarmichaelhadthepatricianfeatures，butlackedthespecialgloryofthatred-goldhair；MissKinghadexquisiteblondtresses，butlackedthelissomebody；MissMackailwasstunningofbody，butinthefaceverylikeahorseeatinganapplethroughawire-nettingfence。Yethisoverallreactionwasoneofdisappointment，andananguishedwishtoturnbackthecalendar。Hedidn’twantMeggietogrowup，hewantedthelittlegirlhecouldtreatashistreasuredbabe。OnPaddy’sfaceheglimpsedanexpressionwhichmirroredhisownthoughts，andsmiledfaintly。Whatblissitwouldbeifjustonceinhislifehecouldshowhisfeelings！Buthabit，traininganddiscretionweretooingrained。
　　Astheeveningworeonthedancinggrewmoreandmoreuninhibited，theliquorchangedfromchampagneandwhiskeytorumandbeer，andproceedingssettleddowntosomethingmorelikeawoolshedball。BytwointhemorningonlyatotalabsenceofstationhandsandworkinggirlscoulddistinguishitfromtheusualentertainmentsoftheGillydistrict，whichwerestrictlydemocratic。
　　PaddyandFeewerestillinattendance，butpromptlyatmidnightBobandJackleftwithMeggie。NeitherFeenorPaddynoticed；theywereenjoyingthemselves。Iftheirchildrencouldn’tdance，theycould，anddid；witheachothermostly，seemingtothewatchingFatherRalphsuddenlymuchmoreattunedtoeachother，perhapsbecausethetimestheyhadanopportunitytorelaxandenjoyeachotherwererare。Heneverrememberedseeingthemwithoutatleastonechildsomewherearound，andthoughtitmustbehardontheparentsoflargefamilies，neverabletosnatchmomentsalonesaveinthebedroom，wheretheymightexcusablyhaveotherthingsthanconversationontheirminds。Paddywasalwayscheerfulandjolly，butFeetonightalmostliterallyshone，andwhenPaddywenttobegadutydanceofsomesquatter’swife，shedidn’tlackeagerpartners；thereweremanymuchyoungerwomenwiltingonchairsaroundtheroomwhowerenotsosoughtafter。
　　However，FatherRalph’smomentstoobservetheClearyparentswerelimited。FeelingtenyearsyoungeroncehesawMeggieleavetheroom，hebecameagreatdealmoreanimatedandflabbergastedtheMissesHopeton，Mackail，GordonandO’Marabydancing-andextremelywell-theBlackBottomwithMissCarmichael。Butafterthathegaveeveryunattachedgirlintheroomherturn，evenpoorhomelyMissPugh，andsincebythistimeeveryonewasthoroughlyrelaxedandoozinggoodwill，noonecondemnedthepriestonebit。Infact，hiszealandkindnessweremuchadmiredandcommentedupon。NoonecouldsaytheirdaughterhadnothadanopportunitytodancewithFatherdeBricassart。
　　Ofcourse，haditnotbeenaprivatepartyhecouldnothavemadeamovetowardthedancefloor，butitwassonicetoseesuchafinemanreallyenjoyhimselfforonce。
　　Atthreeo’clockMaryCarsonrosetoherfeetandyawned。"No，don’tstopthefestivities！IfI’mtiredwhichIam-Icangotobed，whichiswhatI’mgoingtodo。Butthere’splentyoffoodanddrink，thebandhasbeenengagedtoplayaslongassomeonewantstodance，andalittlenoisewillonlyspeedmeintomydreams。Father，wouldyouhelpmeupthestairs，please？"Onceoutsidethereceptionroomshedidnotturntothemajesticstaircase，butguidedthepriesttoherdrawingroom，leaningheavilyonhisarm。Itsdoorhadbeenlocked；shewaitedwhileheusedthekeyshehandedhim，thenprecededhiminside。
　　"Itwasagoodparty，Mary，"hesaid。
　　"Mylast。"
　　"Don’tsaythat，mydear。"
　　"Whynot？I’mtiredofliving，Ralph，andI’mgoingtostop。"Herhardeyesmocked。"Doyoudoubtme？ForoverseventyyearsI’vedonepreciselywhatIwantedtodowhenIwantedtodoit，soifDeaththinkshe’stheonetochoosethetimeofmygoing，he’sverymuchmistaken。I’lldiewhenIchoosethetime，andnosuicide，either。It’sourwilltolivekeepsuskicking，Ralph；itisn’thardtostopifwereallywantto。I’mtired，andIwanttostop。Verysimple。"
　　Hewastired，too；notofliving，exactly，butoftheendlessfacade，theclimate，thelackoffriendswithcommoninterests，himself。Theroomwasonlyfaintlylitbyatallkerosenelampofpricelessrubyglass，anditcasttransparentcrimsonshadowsonMaryCarson’sface，conjuringoutofherintractablebonessomethingmorediabolical。Hisfeetandbackached；itwasalongtimesincehehaddancedsomuch，thoughhepridedhimselfonkeepingupwithwhateverwasthelatestfad。Thirty-fiveyearsofage，acountrymonsignor，andasapowerintheChurch？Finishedbeforehehadbegun。Oh，thedreamsofyouth！Andthecarelessnessofyouth’stongue，thehotnessofyouth’stemper。Hehadnotbeenstrongenoughtomeetthetest。Buthewouldnevermakethatmistakeagain。Never，never……
　　Hemovedrestlessly，sighed；whatwastheuse？Thechancewouldnotcomeagain。Timehefacedthatfactsquarely，timehestoppedhopinganddreaming。"Doyouremembermysaying，Ralph，thatI’dbeatyou，thatI’dhoistyouwithyourownpetard？"
　　Thedryoldvoicesnappedhimoutofthereveriehiswearinesshadinduced。HelookedacrossatMaryCarsonandsmiled。
　　"DearMary，Ineverforgetanythingyousay。WhatIwouldhavedonewithoutyouthesepastsevenyearsIdon’tknow。Yourwit，yourmalice，yourperception……"
　　"IfI’dbeenyoungerI’dhavegotyouinadifferentway，Ralph。You’llneverknowhowI’velongedtothrowthirtyyearsofmylifeoutthewindow。IftheDevilhadcometomeandofferedtobuymysoulforthechancetobeyoungagain，I’dhavesolditinasecond，andnotstupidlyregrettedthebargainlikethatoldidiotFaust。ButnoDevil。Ireallycan’tbringmyselftobelieveinGodortheDevil，youknow。I’veneverseenascrapofevidencetotheeffecttheyexist。Haveyou？"
　　"No。Butbeliefdoesn’trestonproofofexistence，Mary。Itrestsonfaith，andfaithisthetouchstoneoftheChurch。Withoutfaith，thereisnothing。"
　　"Averyephemeraltenet。"
　　"Perhaps。Faith’sborninamanorawoman，Ithink。Formeit’saconstantstruggle，Iadmitthat，butI’llnevergiveup。"
　　"Iwouldliketodestroyyou。"
　　Hisblueeyeslaughed，greyedinthelight。"Oh，mydearMary！Iknowthat。"
　　"Butdoyouknowwhy？"
　　Aterrifyingtendernesscreptagainsthim，almostinsidehim，exceptthathefoughtitfiercely。"Iknowwhy，Mary，andbelieveme，I’msorry。"
　　"Besidesyourmother，howmanywomenhavelovedyou？""Didmymotherloveme，Iwonder？Sheendedinhatingme，anyway。Mostwomendo。MynameoughttohavebeenHippolytos。"
　　"Ohhhhhh！Thattellsmealot！"
　　"Astootherwomen，IthinkonlyMeggie……Butshe’salittlegirl。It’sprobablynotanexaggerationtosayhundredsofwomenhavewantedme，butlovedme？Idoubtitverymuch。"
　　"Ihavelovedyou，"shesaidpathetically。
　　"No，youhaven’t。I’mthegoadofyouroldage，that’sall。WhenyoulookatmeIremindyouofwhatyoucannotdo，becauseofage。"
　　"You’rewrong。Ihavelovedyou。God，howmuch！Doyouthinkmyyearsautomaticallyprecludeit？Well，FatherdeBricassart，letmetellyousomething。InsidethisstupidbodyI’mstillyoung-Istillfeel，Istillwant，Istilldream，Istillkickupmyheelsandchafeatrestrictionslikemybody。OldageisthebitterestvengeanceourvengefulGodinflictsuponus。Whydoesn’tHeageourmindsaswell？"Sheleanedbackinherchairandclosedhereyes，herteethshowingsourly。"IshallgotoHell，ofcourse。ButbeforeIdo，IhopeIgetthechancetotellGodwhatamean，spiteful，pitifulapologyofaGodHeis！"
　　"Youwereawidowtoolong。Godgaveyoufreedomofchoice，Mary。Youcouldhaveremarried。Ifyouchosenottoremarryandinconsequenceyou’vebeenintolerablylonely，it’syourowndoing，notGod’s。"。Foramomentshesaidnothing，herhandsgrippingthechairarmshard；thenshebegantorelax，andopenedhereyes。Theyglitteredinthelamplightredly，butnotwithtears；withsomethingharder，morebrilliant。Hecaughthisbreath，feltfear。Shelookedlikeaspider。
　　"Ralph，onmydeskisanenvelope。Wouldyoubringittome，please？"Achingandafraid，hegotupandwenttoherdesk，liftedtheletter，eyeditcuriously。Thefaceofitwasblank，butthebackhadbeenproperlysealedwithredwaxandherram’sheadsealwiththebigD。Hebroughtittoherandhelditout，butshewavedhimtohisseatwithouttakingit。"It’syours，"shesaid，andgiggled。"Theinstrumentofyourfate，Ralph，that’swhatitis。Mylastandmosttellingthrustinourlongbattle。WhatapityIwon’tbeheretoseewhathappens。ButIknowwhatwillhappen，becauseIknowyou，IknowyoumuchbetterthanyouthinkIdo。Insufferableconceit！Insidethatenvelopeliesthefateofyourlifeandyoursoul。ImustloseyoutoMeggie，butI’vemadesureshedoesn’tgetyou，either。""WhydoyouhateMeggieso？"
　　"Itoldyouoncebefore。Becauseyouloveher。"
　　"Notinthatway！She’sthechildIcanneverhave，theroseofmylife。Meggieisanidea，Mary，anidea！"
　　But。theoldwomansneered。"Idon’twanttotalkaboutyourpreciousMeggie！Ishallneverseeyouagain，soIdon’twanttowastemytimewithyoutalkingabouther。Theletter。Iwantyoutoswearonyourvowsasapriestthatyoudon’topenituntilyou’veseenmydeadbodyforyourself，butthenthatyouopenitimmediately，beforeyouburyme。Swear！""There’snoneedtoswear，Mary。I’lldoasyouask。"
　　"SweartomeorI’lltakeitback！"
　　Heshrugged。"Allright，then。OnmyvowsasapriestIswearit。NottoopentheletteruntilI’veseenyoudead，andthentoopenitbeforeyou’reburied"
　　"Good，good！"
　　"Mary，pleasedon’tworry。Thisisafancyofyours，nomore。Inthemorningyou’lllaughatit。"
　　"Iwon’tseethemorning。I’mgoingtodietonight；I’mnotweakenoughtowaitonthepleasureofseeingyouagain。Whatananticlimax！I’mgoingtobednow。Willyoutakemetothetopofthestairs？"
　　Hedidn’tbelieveher，buthecouldseeitservednopurposetoargue，andshewasnotinthemoodtobejolliedoutofit。OnlyGoddecidedwhenonewoulddie，unless，ofthefreewillHehadgiven，onetookone’sownlife。Andshehadsaidshewouldn’tdothat。Sohehelpedherpantupthestairsandatthetoptookherhandsinhis，benttokissthem。Shepulledthemaway。"No，nottonight。Onmymouth，Ralph！Kissmymouthasifwewerelovers！"
　　Bythebrilliantlightofthechandelier，litforthepartywithfourhundredwaxcandles，shesawthedisgustinhisface，theinstinctiverecoil；shewantedtodiethen，wantedtodiesobadlyshecouldnotwait。
　　"Mary，I’mapriest！Ican’t！"
　　Shelaughedshrilly，eerily。"Oh，Ralph，whatashamyouare！Shamman，shampriest！Andtothinkonceyouactuallyhadthetemeritytooffertomakelovetome！wereyousopositiveI’drefuse？HowIwishIhadn’t！I’dgivemysoultoseeyouwriggleoutofitifwecouldhavethatnightbackagain！Sham，sham，sham！That’sallyouare，Ralph！Animpotent，uselesssham！Impotentmanandimpotentpriest！Idon’tthinkyoucouldgetitupandkeepitupfortheBlessedVirginherself！Haveyouevermanagedtogetitup，FatherdeBricassart？Sham！"
　　Outsideitwasnotyetdawn，orthelighteningbeforeit。Darknesslaysoft，thickandveryhotoverDrogheda。Therevelswerebecomingextremelynoisy；ifthehomesteadhadpossessednext-doorneighborsthepolicewouldhavebeencalledlongsince。Someonewasvomitingcopiouslyandrevoltinglyontheveranda，andunderawispybottlebrushtwoindistinctformswerelockedtogether。FatherRalphavoidedthevomiterandthelovers，treadingsilentlyacrossthespringynew-mownlawnwithsuchtormentinhismindhedidnotknoworcarewherehewasgoing。Onlythathewantedtobeawayfromher，theawfuloldspiderwhowasconvincedshewasspinningherdeathcocoononthisexquisitenight。Atsuchanearlyhourtheheatwasnotexhausting；therewasafaint，heavystirringintheair，andastealingoflanguorousperfumesfromboroniaandroses，theheavenlystillnessonlytropicalandsubtropicallatitudescaneverknow。Oh，God，tobealive，tobereallyalive！Toembracethenight，andliving，andbefree！
　　Hestoppedonthefarsideofthelawnandstoodlookingupatthesky，aninstinctiveaerialsearchingforGod。Yes，uptheresomewhere，betweenthewinkingpointsoflightsopureandunearthly；whatwasitaboutthenightsky？Thatthebluelidofdaywaslifted，amanpermittedglimpsesofeternity？NothingsavewitnessingthestrewnvistaofthestarscouldconvinceamanthattimelessnessandGodexisted。She’sright，ofcourse。Asham，atotalsham。Nopriest，noman。Onlysomeonewhowishesheknewhowtobeeither。No！Noteither！Priestandmancannotcoexist-tobeamanistobenopriest。WhydidIevertanglemyfeetinherweb？Herpoisonisstrong，perhapsstrongerthanIguess。What’sintheletter？HowlikeMarytobaitme！Howmuchdoessheknow，howmuchdoesshesimplyguess？Whatistheretoknow，orguess？Onlyfutility，andloneliness。Doubt，pain。Alwayspain。Yetyou’rewrong，Mary。Icangetitup。It’sjustthatIdon’tchooseto，thatI’vespentyearsprovingtomyselfitcanbecontrolled，dominated，subjugated。Forgettingitupistheactivityofaman，andIamapriest。
　　Someonewasweepinginthecemetery。Meggie，ofcourse。Nooneelsewouldthinkofit。Hepickeduptheskirtsofhissoutaneandsteppedoverthewroughtironrailing，feelingitwasinevitablethathehadnotyetdonewithMeggieonthisnight。Ifheconfrontedoneofthewomeninhislife，hemustalsodealwiththeother。Hisamuseddetachmentwascomingback；shecouldnotdispersethatforlong，theoldspider。Thewickedoldspider。Godrother，Godrother！
　　"DarlingMeggie，don’tcry，"hesaid，sittingonthedew-wetgrassbesideher。"Here，I’llbetyoudon’thaveadecenthandkerchief。Womenneverdo。Takemineanddryyoureyeslikeagoodgirl。"
　　Shetookitanddidasshewastold。
　　"Youhaven’tevenchangedoutofyourfinery。Haveyoubeensittingheresincemidnight？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"DoBobandJackknowwhereyouare？"
　　"ItoldthemIwasgoingtobed。"
　　"What’sthematter，Meggie？"
　　"Youdidn’tspeaktometonight！"
　　"Ali！Ithoughtthatmightbeit。Come，Meggie，lookatme！"Awayintheeastwasapearlyluster，afleeingoftotaldarkness，andtheDroghedaroosterswereshriekinganearlywelcometothedawn。Sohecouldseethatnotevenprotractedtearscoulddimthelovelinessofhereyes。"Meggie，youwerebyfartheprettiestgirlattheparty，andit’swellknownthatIcometoDroghedamoreoftenthanIneed。IamapriestandthereforeIoughttobeabovesuspicion-abitlikeCaesar’swifecombI’mafraidpeopledon’tthinksopurely。AspriestsgoI’myoung，andnotbad-looking。"HepausedtothinkhowMaryCarsonwouldhavegreetedthatbitofunderstatement，andlaughedsoundlessly。"IfIhadpaidyouaskerrickofattentionitwouldhavebeenalloverGillyinrecordtime。Everypartylineinthedistrictwouldhavebeenbuzzingwithit。DoyouknowwhatImean？"Sheshookherhead；thecroppedcurlsweregrowingbrighterintheadvancinglight。
　　"Well，you’reyoungtocometoknowledgeofthewaysoftheworld，butyou’vegottolearn，andital-waysseemstobemyprovincetoteachyou，doesn’tit？ImeanpeoplewouldbesayingIwasinterestedinyouasaman，notasapriest。"
　　"Father！"
　　"Dreadful，isn’tit？"Hesmiled。"Butthat’swhatpeoplewouldsay，Iassureyou。Yousee，Meggie，you’renotalittlegirlanymore，you’reayounglady。Butyouhaven’tlearnedyettohideyouraffectionforme，sohadIstoppedtospeaktoyouwithallthosepeoplelookingon，you’dhavestaredatmeinawaywhichmighthavebeenmisconstrued。"
　　Shewaslookingathimoddly，asuddeninscrutabilityshutteringhergaze，thenabruptlysheturnedherheadandpresentedhimwithherprofile。"Yes，Isee。Iwassillynottohaveseenit。"
　　"Nowdon’tyouthinkit’stimeyouwenthome？Nodoubteveryonewillsleepin，butifsomeone’sawakeattheusualtimeyou’llbeinthesoup。Andyoucan’tsayyou’vebeenwithme，Meggie，eventoyourownfamily。"Shegotupandstoodstaringdownathim。"I’mgoing，Father。ButIwishtheyknewyoubetter，thenthey’dneverthinksuchthingsofyou。Itisn’tinyou，isit？"
　　Forsomereasonthathurt，hurtrightdowntohissoulasMaryCarson’scrueltauntshadnot。"No，Meggie，you’reright。Itisn’tinme。"Hesprangup，smilingwryly。"WouldyouthinkitstrangeifIsaidIwisheditwas？"Heputahandtohishead。"No，Idon’twishitwasatall！Gohome，Meggie，gohome！"
　　Herfacewassad。"Goodnight，Father。"
　　Hetookherhandsinhis，bentandkissedthem。"Goodnight，dearestMeggie。"
　　Hewatchedherwalkacrossthegraves，stepovertherailing；intherosebuddressherretreatingformwasgraceful，womanlyandalittleunreal。Ashesofroses。"Howappropriate，"hesaidtotheangel。CarswereroaringawayfromDroghedaashestrolledbackacrossthelawn；thepartywasfinallyover。Inside，thebandwaspackingawayitsinstruments，reelingwithrumandexhaustion，andthetiredmaidsandtemporaryhelpersweretryingtoclearup。FatherRalphshookhisheadatMrs。Smith。
　　"Sendeveryonetobed，mydear。It’saloteasiertodealwiththissortofthingwhenyou’refresh。I’llmakesureMrs。Carsonisn’tangry。""Wouldyoulikesomethingtoeat，Father？"
　　"GoodLord，no！I’mgoingtobed。"
　　Inthelateafternoonahandtouchedhisshoulder。Hereachedforitblindlywithouttheenergytoopenhiseyes，andtriedtoholditagainsthischeek。
　　"Meggie，"hemumbled。
　　"Father，Father！Oh，pleasewillyouwakeup？"AtthetoneofMrs。Smith’svoicehiseyescamesuddenlyveryawake。"Whatisit，Mrs。Smith？"
　　"It’sMrs。Carson，Father。She’sdead。"
　　Hiswatchtoldhimitwasaftersixintheevening；dazedandreelingfromtheheavytorportheday’sterribleheathadinducedinhim，hestruggledoutofhispajamasandintohispriest’sclothes，threwanarrowpurplestolearoundhisneckandtooktheoilofextremeunction，theholywater，hisbigsilvercross，hisebonyrosarybeads。ItneveroccurredtohimforamomenttowonderifMrs。Smithwasright；heknewthespiderwasdead。Hadshetakensomethingafterall？PrayGodifshehad，itwasneitherobviouslypresentintheroomnorobvioustoadoctor。Whatpossibleuseitwastoadministerextremeunctionhedidn’tknow。Butithadtobedone。Lethimrefuseandtherewouldbepost-mortems，allsortsofcomplications。Yetithadnothingtodowithhissuddensuspicionofsuicide；simplythattohimlayingsacredthingsonMaryCarson’sbodywasobscene。
　　Shewasverydead，musthavediedwithinminutesofretiring，agoodfifteenhoursearlier。Thewindowswereclosedfast，andtheroomhumidfromthegreatflatpansofwatersheinsistedbeputineveryinconspicuouscornertokeepherskinyouthful。Therewasapeculiarnoiseintheair；afterastupidmomentofwonderingherealizedwhatheheardwereflies，hordesoffliesbuzzing，insanelyclamoringastheyfeastedonher，matedonher，laidtheireggsonher。"ForGod’ssake，Mrs。Smith，openthewindows！"hegasped，movingtothebedside，facepallid。
　　Shehadpassedoutofrigormortisandwasagainlimp，disgustinglyso。Thestaringeyesweremottling，herthinlipsblack；andeverywhereonherweretheflies。HehadtohaveMrs。Smithkeepshooingthemawayasheworkedoverher，mutteringtheancientLatinexhortations。Whatafarce，andsheaccursed。Thesmellofher！Oh，God！Worsethananydeadhorseinthefreshnessofapaddock。Heshrankfromtouchingherindeathashehadinlife，especiallythoseflyblownlips。Shewouldbeamassofmaggotswithinhours。
　　Atlastitwasdone。Hestraightened。"GotoMr。Clearyatonce，Mrs。Smith，andforGod’ssaketellhimtogettheboysworkingonacoffinrightaway。NotimetohaveonesentoutfromGilly；she’srottingawaybeforeourveryeyes。Dearlord！Ifeelsick。I’mgoingtohaveabathandI’llleavemyclothesoutsidemydoor。Burnthem。I’llnevergetthesmellofheroutofthem。"
　　Backinhisroominridingbreechesandshirt-forhehadnotpackedtwosoutanes-herememberedtheletter，andhispromise。Seveno’clockhadstruck；hecouldheararestrainedchaosasmaidsandtemporaryhelpersflewtoclearthepartymessaway，transformthereceptionroombackintoachapel，readythehousefortomorrow’sfuneral。Nohelpforit，hewouldhavetogointoGillytonighttopickupanothersoutaneandvestmentsfortheRequiemMass。Certainthingshewasneverwithoutwhenheleftthepresbyteryforanout-lyingstation，carefullystrappedincompartmentsinthelittleblackcase，hissacramentsforbirth，death，benediction，worship，andthevestmentssuitableforMassatwhatevertimeoftheyearitwas。ButhewasanIrishman，andtocarrytheblackmourningaccoutermentsofaRequiemwastotemptfate。Paddy’svoiceechoedinthedistance，buthecouldnotfacePaddyatthemoment；heknewMrs。Smithwoulddowhathadtobedone。SittingathiswindowlookingoutoverthevistaofDroghedainthedyingsun，theghostgumsgolden，themassofredandpinkandwhiterosesinthegardenallempurpled，hetookMaryCarson’sletterfromhiscaseandhelditbetweenhishands。Butshehadinsistedhereaditbeforeheburiedher，andsomewhereinhismindalittlevoicewaswhisperingthathemustreaditnow，notlatertonightafterhehadseenPaddyandMeggie，butnowbeforehehadseenanyonesaveMaryCarson。
　　Itcontainedfoursheetsofpaper；heriffledthemapartandsawimmediatelythatthelowertwowereherwill。Thetoptwowereaddressedtohim，intheformofaletter。
　　MydearestRalph，
　　Youwillhaveseenthattheseconddocumentinthisenvelopeismywill。IalreadyhaveaperfectlygoodwillsignedandsealedinHarryGough’sofficeinGilly；thewillenclosedhereinisamuchlaterone，andnaturallynullifiestheoneHarryhas。
　　AsamatteroffactImadeitonlytheotherday，andhaditwitnessedbyTomandthefencer，sinceIunderstanditisnotpermissibletohaveanybeneficiarywitnessone’swill。Itisquitelegal，inspiteofthefactHarrydidn’tdrawitupforme。Nocourtinthelandwilldenyitsvalidity，Iassureyou。
　　Butwhydidn’tIhaveHarrydrawthistestamentupifIwantedtoalterthedispositionofmyeffects？Verysimple，mydearRalph。Iwantedabsolutelynoonetoknowofthiswill’sexistenceapartfromyou，andme。Thisistheonlycopy，andyouholdit。Notasoulknowsthatyoudo。Averyimportantpartofmyplan。
　　DoyourememberthatpieceoftheGospelwhereSatantookOurLordJesusChristupontoamountaintop，andtemptedHimwiththewholeworld？HowpleasantitistoknowIhavealittleofSatan’spower，andamabletotempttheoneIlovedoyoudoubtSatanlovedChrist？Idonotwiththewholeworld。Thecontemplationofyourdilemmahasconsiderablyenlivenedmythoughtsduringthepastfewyears，andthecloserIgettodying，themoredelightfulmyvisionsbecome。
　　Afteryou’vereadthewill，you’llunderstandwhatImean。WhileIbuminHellbeyondthebordersofthislifeIknownow，you’llstillbeinthatlife，butburninginahellwithfiercerflamesthananyGodcouldpossiblymanufacture。Oh，myRalph，I’vegaugedyoutoanicety！IfIneverknewhowtodoanythingelse，I’vealwaysknownhowtomaketheonesIlovesuffer。Andyou’refarbettergamethanmydeardepartedMichaeleverwas。WhenIfirstknewyou，youwantedDroghedaandmymoney，didn’tyou，Ralph？Yousawitasawaytobuybackyournaturalmétier。ButthencameMeggie，andyouputyouroriginalpurposeincultivatingmeoutofyourmind，didn’tyou？IbecameanexcusetovisitDroghedasoyoucouldbewithMeggie。IwondercouldyouhaveswitchedallegiancessoeasilyhadyouknownhowmuchI’mactuallyworth？Doyouknow，Ralph？Idon’tthinkyouhaveaninkling。Isupposeitisn’tladyliketomentiontheexactsumofone’sassetsinone’swill，soIhadbettertellyouherejusttomakesureyouhaveallthenecessaryinformationatyourfingertipswhenitcomestoyourmakingadecision。Giveortakeafewhundredthousands，myfortuneamountstosomethirteenmillionpounds。
　　I’mgettingdowntowardthefootofthesecondpage，andIcan’tbebotheredturningthisintoathesis。Readmywill，Ralph，andafteryou’vereadit，decidewhatyou’regoingtodowithit。WillyoutenderittoHarryGoughforprobate，orwillyouburnitandnevertellasoulitexisted。That’sthedecisionyou’vegottomake。IoughttoaddthatthewillinHarry’sofficeistheoneImadetheyearafterPaddycame，andleaveseverythingIhavetohim。Justsoyouknowwhathangsinthebalance。Ralph，Iloveyou，somuchIwouldhavekilledyoufornotwantingme，exceptthatthisisafarbetterformofreprisal。I’mnotthenoblekind；IloveyoubutIwantyoutoscreaminagony。Because，yousee，1knowwhatyourdecisionwillbe。IknowitassurelyasifIcouldbethere，watching。You’llscream，Ralph，you’llknowwhatagonyis。Soreadon，mybeautiful，ambitiouspriest！Readmywill，anddecideyourfate。
　　Itwasnotsignedorinitialed。Hefeltthesweatonhisforehead，feltitrunningdownthebackofhisneckfromhishair。Andhewantedtogetupthatverymomenttoburnbothdocuments，neverreadwhatthesecondonecontained。Butshehadgaugedherquarrywell，thegrossoldspider。Ofcoursehewouldreadon；hewastoocurioustoresist。God！Whathadheeverdone，tomakeherwanttodothistohim？Whydidwomenmakehimsufferso？Whycouldn’thehavebeenbornsmall，twisted，ugly？Ifhewereso，hemighthavebeenhappy。Thelasttwosheetswerecoveredbythesameprecise，almostminutewriting。Asmeanandgrudgingashersoul。
　　I，MaryElizabethCarson，beingofsoundmindandsoundbody，doherebydeclarethatthisismylastwillandtestament，therebyrenderingnullandvoidanysuchtestamentspreviouslymadebyme。Saveonlyforthespecialbequestsmadebelow，allmyworldlygoodsandmoneysandpropertiesIbequeathtotheHolyCatholicChurchofRome，undertheherebystatedconditionsofbequest:
　　First，thatthesaidHolyCatholicChurchofRome，tobecalledtheChurchhereafter，knowsinwhatesteemandwithwhataffectionIholdherpriest，FatherRalphdeBricassart。Itissolelybecauseofhiskindness，spiritualguidanceandunfailingsupportthatIsodisposeofmyassets。Secondly，thatthebequestshallcontinueinthefavoroftheChurchonlysolongassheappreciatestheworthandabilityofthesaidFatherRalphdeBricassart。
　　Thirdly，thatthesaidFatherRalphdeBricassartberesponsiblefortheadministrationandchannelingofthesemyworldlygoods，moneysandproperties，asthechiefauthorityinchargeofmyestate。Fourthly，thatuponthedemiseofthesaidFatherRalphdeBricassart，hisownlastwillandtestamentshallbelegallybindinginthematterofthefurtheradministrationofmyestate。Thatis，theChurchshallcontinueinfullownership，butFatherRalphdeBricassartshallbesolelyresponsibleforthenamingofhissuccessorinadministration；heshallnotbeobligedtoselectasuccessorwhoiseitheranecclesiasticaloralaymemberoftheChurch。
　　Fifthly，thatthestationDroghedabeneversoldnorsubdivided。Sixthly，thatmybrother，PadraicCleary，beretainedasmanagerofthestationDroghedawiththerighttodwellinmyhouse，andthathebepaidasalaryatthediscretionofFatherRalphdeBricassartandnoother。Seventhly，thatintheeventofthedeathofmybrother，thesaidPadraicCleary，hiswidowandchildrenbepermittedtoremainonthestationDroghedaandthatthepositionofmanagershallpassconsecutivelytoeachofhissons，Robert，John，Hugh，Stuart，JamesandPatrick，butexcludingFrancis。Eighthly，thatuponthedemiseofPatrickorwhicheversonexcludingFrancisisthelastsonremaining，thesamerightsbepermittedthesaidPadraicCleary’sgrandchildren。
　　Specialbequests:
　　ToPadraicCleary，thecontentsofmyhousesonthestationDrogheda。ToEuniceSmith，myhousekeeper，thatsheremainatafairsalarysolongasshedesires，andinadditionthatshebepaidthesumoffivethousandpoundsforthwith，andthatuponherretirementshebeawardedanequitablepension。
　　ToMinervaO’BrienandCatherineDonnelly，thattheyremainatfairsalariessolongastheydesire，andinadditionthattheybepaidthesumofonethousandpoundseachforthwith，andthatupontheirretirementstheybeawardedequitablepensions。
　　ToFatherRalphdeBricassartthesumoftenthousandpoundstobepaidannuallysolongasheshalllive，forhisownprivateandunquestioneduse。
　　Itwasdulysigned，datedandwitnessed。
　　Hisroomlookedwest。Thesunwassetting。Thepallofdustwhichcamewitheverysummerfilledthesilentair，andthesunthrustitsfingersthroughthefinestrungparticlessothatitseemedthewholeworldhadturnedtogoldandpurple。Streakycloudsrimmedinbrilliantfirepokedsilverstreamersacrossthegreatbloodyballwhichhungjustabovethetreesofthefarpaddocks。
　　"Bravo！"hesaid。"Iadmit，Mary，you’vebeatenme。Amasterstroke。Iwasthefool，notyou。"
　　Hecouldnotseethepagesinhishandthroughthetears，andmovedthembeforetheycouldbeblotched。Thirteenmillionpounds。Thirteenmillionpounds！ItwasindeedwhathehadbeenanglingforinthedaysbeforeMeggie。Andwithhercominghehadabandonedit，becausehecouldn’tcarryonsuchacampaignincoldbloodtocheatherofherinheritance。Butwhatifhehadknownhowmuchtheoldspiderwasworth？Whatthen？Hehadnoideaitwasatenthsomuch。Thirteenmillionpounds！
　　ForsevenyearsPaddyandhisfamilyhadlivedintheheadstockman’shouseandworkedthemselvesraggedforMaryCarson。Forwhat？Theniggardlywagesshepaid？NevertoFatherRalph’sknowledgehadPaddycomplainedofbeingshabbilytreated，thinkingnodoubtthatwhenhissisterdiedhewouldbeamplyrepaidformanagingthepropertyonordinarystockman’spay，whilehissonsdidstockman’sworkforrouseabout’swages。Hehadmadedo，andgrowntoloveDroghedaasifitwerehisown，rightlyassumingitwouldbe。"Bravo，Mary！"saidFatherRalphagain，thesefirsttearssincehisboyhooddroppingfromhisfaceontothebacksofhishands，butnotontothepaper。Thirteenmillionpounds，andthechancetobeCardinaldeBricassartyet。AgainstPaddyCleary，hiswife，hissonsandMeggie。Howdiabolicallywellshehadreadhim！HadshestrippedPaddyofeverything，hiswaywouldhavebeenclear:hecouldhavetakenthewilldowntothekitchenstoveandthrustitinsidethefireboxwithoutaqualm。ButshehadmadesurePaddywouldn’twant，thatafterherdeathhewouldbemorecomfortableonDroghedathanduringherlife，andthatDroghedacouldnotquitebetakenfromhim。Itsprofitsandtitle，yes，butnotthelanditself。No，hewouldn’tbetheownerofthatfabulousthirteenmillionpounds，buthewouldbewellrespected，comfortablyprovidedfor。Meggiewouldn’tgohungry，orbethrownshoelessupontheworld。NorwouldshebeMissCleary，either，abletostandonanequalfootingwithMissCarmichaelandthatilk。Quiterespectable，sociallyadmissible，butnottopdrawer。Nevertopdrawer。
　　Thirteenmillionpounds。ThechancetogetoutofGillanboneandperpetualobscurity，thechancetotakehisplacewithinthehierarchyofChurchadministration，theassuredgoodwillofhispeersandsuperiors。Andallwhilehewasstillyoungenoughtomakeupthegroundhehadlost。MaryCarsonhadmadeGillanbonetheepicenteroftheArchbishopPapalLegate’smapwithavengeance；thetremorswouldreachasfarastheVatican。RichthoughtheChurchwas，thirteenmillionpoundswasthirteenmillionpounds。Nottobesneezedat，evenbytheChurch。Andhiswasthesolehandwhichbroughtitintothefold，hishandacknowledgedinblueinkinMaryCarson’sownwriting。HeknewPaddywouldnevercontestthewill；sohadMaryCarson，Godrother。Oh，certainlyPaddywouldbefurious，wouldneverwanttoseehimagainorspeaktohimagain，buthischagrinwouldn’textendtolitigation。Wasthereadecision？Didn’thealreadyknow，hadn’theknownthemomenthereadherwillwhathewasgoingtodo？Thetearshaddried。WithhisusualgraceFatherRalphgottohisfeet，madesurehisshirtwastuckedinallthewayround，andwenttothedoor。HemustgettoGilly，pickupasoutaneandvestments。ButfirsthewantedtoseeMaryCarsonagain。Inspiteoftheopenwindowsthestenchhadbecomeareekingfug；nohintofabreezestirredthelimpcurtains。Withsteadytreadhecrossedtothebedandstoodlookingdown。Theflyeggswerebeginningtohatchmaggotsinallthewetpartsofherface，ballooninggasespuffedupherfatarmsandhandstogreenishblobs，herskinwasbreakingdown。Oh，God。Youdisgustingoldspider。You’vewon，butwhatavictory。Thetriumphofonedisintegratingcaricatureofhumanityoveranother。Youcan’tdefeatmyMeggie，norcanyoutakefromherwhatwasneveryours。ImightburninHellalongsideyou，butIknowtheHellthey’vegotplannedforyou:toseemyindifferencetoyoupersistaswerotawaytogetherthroughalleternity……
　　Paddywaswaitingforhiminthehalldownstairs，lookingsickandbewildered。
　　"Oh，Father！"hesaid，comingforward。"Isn’tthisawful？Whatashock！Ineverexpectedhertogooutlikethis；shewassowelllastnight！DearGod，whatamIgoingtodo？"
　　"Haveyouseenher？"
　　"Heavenhelpme，yes！"
　　"Thenyouknowwhathastobedone。I’veneverseenacorpsedecomposesofast。Ifyoudon’tgetherdecentlyintosomesortofcontainerwithinthenextfewhoursyou’llhavetopourherintoapetroldrum。She’llhavetobeburiedfirstthinginthemorning。Don’twastetimebeautifyinghercoffin；coveritwithrosesfromthegardenorsomething。Butgetamoveon，man！I’mgoingintoGillyforvestments。"
　　"Getbackassoonasyoucan，Father！"Paddypleaded。ButFatherRalphwasratherlongerthanasimplevisittothepresbyterydemanded。BeforeheturnedhiscarinthatdirectionhedrovedownoneofGillanbone’smoreprosperoussidestreets，toafairlypretentiousdwellingsurroundedbyawell-laid-outgarden。
　　HarryGoughwasjustsittingdowntohisdinner，butcameintotheparlorwhenthemaidtoldhimwhohadcalled。
　　"Father，willyoueatwithus？Cornedbeefandcabbagewithboiledpotatoesandparsleysauce，andforoncethebeef’snottoosalty。"
　　"No，Harry，Ican’tstay。IjustcametotellyouMaryCarsondiedthismorning。"
　　"HolyJesus！Iwastherelastnight！Sheseemedsowell，Father！""Iknow。ShewasperfectlywellwhenItookherupthestairsaboutthree，butshemusthavediedalmostthemomentsheretired。Mrs。Smithfoundheratsixthisevening。Bythenshe’dbeendeadsolongshewashideous；theroomwasshutuplikeanincubatorallthroughtheheatoftheday。DearLord，Ipraytoforgetthesightofher！Unspeakable，Harry，awful。"
　　"She’llbeburiedtomorrow？"
　　"She’llhavetobe。"
　　"Whattimeisit？Ten？WemusteatdinneraslateastheSpaniardsinthisheat，butnoneedtoworry，it’stoolatetostartphoningpeople。Wouldyoulikemetodothatforyou，Father？"
　　"Thankyou，itwouldbeagreatkindness。IonlycameintoGillyforvestments。IneverexpectedtobesayingaRequiemwhenIstartedout。ImustgetbacktoDroghedaasquicklyasIcan；theyneedme。TheMasswillbeatnineinthemorning。"
　　"TellPaddyI’llbringherwillwithme，soIcandealwithitstraightafterthefuneral。You’reabeneficiary，too，Father，soI’dappreciateyourstayingforthereading。"
　　"I’mafraidwehaveaslightproblem，Harry。Marymadeanotherwill，yousee。Lastnightaftersheleftthepartyshegavemeasealedenvelope，andmademepromiseI’dopenitthemomentIsawherdeadbodyformyself。WhenIdidsoIfounditcontainedafreshwill。"
　　"Marymadeanewwill？Withoutme？"
　　"Itwouldappearso。Ithinkitwassomethingshehadbeenmullingforalongtime，butastowhyshechosetobesosecretiveaboutit，Idon’tknow。"
　　"Doyouhaveitwithyounow，Father？"
　　"Yes。"Thepriestreachedinsidehisshirtandhandedoverthesheetsofpaper，foldedsmall。
　　Thelawyerhadnocompunctionaboutreadingthemonthespot。Whenhefinishedhelookedup，andtherewasagreatdealinhiseyesFatherRalphwouldrathernothaveseen。Admiration，anger，acertaincontempt。"Well，Father，congratulations！Yougotthelotafterall。"Hecouldsayit，notbeingaCatholic。
　　"Believeme，Harry，itcameasabiggersurprisetomethanitdoestoyou。"
　　"Thisistheonlycopy？"
　　"AsfarasIknow，yes。"
　　"Andshegaveittoyouaslateaslastnight？""Yes。"
　　"Thenwhydidn’tyoudestroyit，makesurepooroldPaddygotwhat’srightfullyhis？TheChurchhasnorighttoMaryCarson’spossessionsatall。"Thepriest’sfineeyeswerebland。"Ah，butthatwouldn’thavebeenfitting，Harry，woulditnow？ItwasMary’sproperty，todisposeofinanymannershewished。"
　　"IshalladvisePaddytocontest。"
　　"Ithinkyoushould。"
　　Andonthatnotetheyparted。BythetimeeveryonearrivedinthemorningtoseeMaryCarsonburied，thewholeofGillanboneandallpointsofthecompassarounditwouldknowwherethemoneywasgoing。Thediewascast，therecouldbenoturningback。
　　ItwasfourinthemorningwhenFatherRalphgotthroughthelastgateandintotheHomePaddock，forhehadn’thurriedonthereturndrive。Allthroughithehadwilledhismindtoblankness；hewouldn’tlethimselfthink。NotofPaddyorofFee，or。Meggieorthatstinkinggrossthingtheyhadhedevoutlyhopedpouredintohercoffin。Insteadheopenedhiseyesandhismindtothenight，totheghostlysilverofdeadtreesstandinglonelyinthegleaminggrass，totheheart-of-darknessshadowscastbystandsoftimber，tothefullmoonridingtheheavenslikeanairybubble。Oncehestoppedthecarandgotout，walkedtoawirefenceandleanedonitstautnesswhilehebreathedinthegumsandthebewitchingaromaofwildflowers。Thelandwassobeautiful，sopure，soindifferenttothefatesofthecreatureswhopresumedtoruleit。Theymightputtheirhandstoit，butinthelongrunitruledthem。Untiltheycoulddirecttheweatherandsummonuptherain，ithadtheupperhand。Heparkedhiscarsomedistancebehindthehouseandwalkedslowlytowardit。Everywindowwasfulloflight；faintlyfromthehousekeeper’squartershecouldhearthesoundofMrs。SmithleadingthetwoIrishmaidsinarosary。Ashadowmovedundertheblacknessofthewistariavine；hestoppedshort，hishacklesrising。Shehadgottohiminmorewaysthanone，theoldspider。ButitwasonlyMeggie，patientlywaitingforhimtocomeback。Shewasinjodhpursandboots，verymuchalive。
　　"Yougavemeafright，"hesaidabruptly。
　　"I’msorry，Father，Ididn’tmeanto。ButIdidn’twanttobeinsidetherewithDaddyandtheboys，andMumisstilldownatourhousewiththebabies。IsupposeIoughttobeprayingwithMrs。SmithandMinnieandCat，butIdon’tfeellikeprayingforher。That’sasin，isn’tit？"HewasinnomoodtopandertothememoryofMaryCarson。"Idon’tthinkit’sasin，Meggie，whereashypocrisyis。Idon’tfeellikeprayingforher，either。Shewasn’t……averygoodperson。"Hissmileflashed。"Soifyou’vesinnedinsayingit，sohaveI，andmoreseriouslyatthat。I’msupposedtoloveeveryone，aburdenwhichisn’tlaiduponyou。""Areyouallright，Father？"
　　"Yes，I’mallright。"Helookedupatthehouse，andsighed。"Idon’twanttobeinthere，that’sall。Idon’twanttobewheresheisuntilit’slightandthedemons200，ofthedarknessaredrivenaway。IfIsaddlethehorses，willyouridewithmeuntildawn？"
　　Herhandtouchedhisblacksleeve，fell。"Idon’twanttogoinside，either。"
　　"WaitaminutewhileIputmysoutaneinthecar。"
　　"I’llgoontothestables。"
　　Forthefirsttimeshewastryingtomeethimonhisground，adultground；hecouldsensethedifferenceinherassurelyashecouldsmelltherosesinMaryCarson’sbeautifulgardens。Roses。Ashesofroses。Roses，roses，everywhere。Petalsinthegrass。Rosesofsummer，redandwhiteandyellow。Perfumeofroses，heavyandsweetinthenight。Pinkroses，bleachedbythemoontoashes。Ashesofroses，ashesofroses。MyMeggie，Ihaveforsakenyou。Butcan’tyousee，you’vebecomeathreat？ThereforehaveIcrushedyoubeneaththeheelofmyambition；youhavenomoresubstancetomethanabruisedroseinthegrass。Thesmellofroses。ThesmellofMaryCarson。Rosesandashes，ashesofroses。
　　"Ashesofroses，"hesaid，mounting。"Let’sgetasfarfromthesmellofrosesasthemoon。Tomorrowthehousewillbefullofthem。"
　　HekickedthechestnutmareandcanteredaheadofMeggiedownthetracktothecreek，longingtoweep；foruntilhesmelledthefutureadornmentsofMaryCarson’scoffinithadnotactuallyimpingedonhisthinkingbrainasanimminentfact。Hewouldbegoingawayverysoon。Toomanythoughts，toomanyemotions，allofthemungovernable。Theywouldn’tleavehiminGillyadayafterlearningthetermsofthatincrediblewill；theywouldrecallhimtoSydneyimmediately。Immediately！Hefledfromhispain，neverhavingknownsuchpain，butitkeptpacewithhimeffortlessly。Itwasn’tsomethinginavaguesometime；itwasgoingtohappenimmediately。AndhecouldalmostseePaddy’sface，therevulsion，theturningaway。Afterthishewouldn’tbewelcomeonDrogheda，andhewouldneverseeMeggieagain。
　　Thediscipliningbeganthen，hammeredbyhoofsandinasensationofflying。Itwasbetterso，betterso，betterso。Gallopingonandon。Yes，itwouldsurelyhurtlessthen，tuckedsafelyinsomecellinabishop’spalace，hurtlessandless，untilfinallyeventheachefadedfromconsciousness。Ithadtobebetterso。BetterthanstayinginGillytowatchherchangeintoacreaturehedidn’twant，thenhavetomarryheronedaytosomeunknownman。Outofsight，outofmind。
　　Thenwhatwashedoingwithhernow，ridingthroughthestandofboxandcoolibahonthefarsideofthecreek？Hecouldn’tseemtothinkwhy，heonlyfeltthepain。Notthepainofbetrayal；therewasn’troomforthat。Onlyforthepainofleavingher。
　　"Father，Father！Ican’tkeepupwithyou！Slowdown，Father，please！"Itwasthecalltoduty，andreality。Likeamaninslowmotionhewrenchedthemarearound，satituntilithaddancedoutitsexcitement。AndwaitedforMeggietocatchhimup。Thatwasthetrouble。Meggiewascatchinghimup。Closebythemwastheroaroftheborehead，agreatsteamingpoolsmellingofsulphur，withapipelikeaship’sventilatorjettingboilingwaterintoitsdepths。Allaroundtheperimeterofthelittleelevatedlakelikespokesfromawheel’shub，theboredrainsdribbledoffacrosstheplainwhiskeredinincongruouslyemeraldgrass。Thebanksofthepoolwereslimygreymud，andthefreshwatercrayfishcalledyabbieslivedinthemud。FatherRalphstartedtolaugh。"ItsmellslikeHell，Meggie，doesn’tit？Sulphurandbrimstone，righthereonherownproperty，inherownbackyard。Sheoughttorecognizethesmellwhenshegetstheredeckedinroses，oughtn’tshe？Oh，Meggie……"
　　Thehorsesweretrainedtostandonadanglingrein；therewerenofencesnearby，andnotreescloserthanhalfamileaway。Buttherewasalogonthesideofthepoolfarthestfromtheboreheaditself，wherethewaterwascooler。Itwastheseatprovidedforwinterbathersastheydriedtheirfeetandlegs。FatherRalphsatdownandMeggiesatsomewayfromhim，turnedsideontowatchhim。
　　"What’sthematter，Father？"
　　Itsoundedpeculiar，hisoft-askedquestionfromherlips，tohim。Hesmiled。"I’vesoldyou，myMeggie，soldyouforthirteenmillionpiecesofsilver。"
　　"Soldme？"
　　"Afigureofspeech。Itdoesn’tmatter。Come，sitclosertome。Theremaynotbethechanceforustotalktogetheragain。"
　　"Whilewe’reinmourningforAuntie，youmean？"Shewriggledupthelogandsatnexttohim。"Whatdifferencewillbeinginmourningmake？""Idon’tmeanthat，Meggie。"
　　"YoumeanbecauseI’mgrowingup，andpeoplemightgossipaboutus？""Notexactly。ImeanI’mgoingaway。"
　　Thereitwas:themeetingoftroubleheadon，theacceptanceofanotherload。Nooutcry，noweeping，nostormofprotest。Justatinyshrinking，asiftheburdensataskew，wouldnotdistributeitselfsoshecouldbearitproperly。Andacaughtbreath，notquitelikeasigh。"When？"
　　"Amatterofdays。"
　　"Oh，Father！ItwillbeharderthanFrank。"
　　"Andformeharderthananythinginmylife。Ihavenoconsolation。Youatleasthaveyourfamily。"
　　"YouhaveyourGod。"
　　"Wellsaid，Meggie！Youaregrowingup！"
　　But，tenaciousfemale，hermindhadreturnedtothequestionshehadriddenthreemileswithoutachancetoask。Hewasleaving，itwouldbesohardtodowithouthim，butthequestionhaditsownimportance。
　　"Father，inthestablesyousaid"ashesofroses。"Didyoumeanthecolorofmydress？"
　　"Inaway，perhaps。ButIthinkreallyImeantsomethingelse。""What？"
　　"Nothingyou’dunderstand，myMeggie。Thedyingofanideawhichhadnorighttobeborn，letalonenurtured。"
　　"Thereisnothingwhichhasnorighttobeborn，evenanidea。"Heturnedhisheadtowatchher。"YouknowwhatI’mtalkingabout，don’tyou？"
　　"Ithinkso。"
　　"Noteverythingbornisgood，Meggie。"
　　"No。Butifitwasbornatall，itwasmeanttobe。"
　　"YouarguelikeaJesuit。Howoldareyou？"
　　"I’llbeseventeeninamonth，Father。"
　　"Andyou’vetoiledallseventeenyearsofit。Well，hardworkagesusaheadofouryears。Whatdoyouthinkabout，Meggie，whenyou’vethetimetothink？"
　　"Oh，aboutJimsandPatsyandtherestoftheboys，aboutDaddyandMum，aboutHalandAuntieMary。Sometimesaboutgrowingbabies。I’dlikethatverymuch。Andriding，thesheep。Allthethingsthementalkabout。Theweather，therain，thevegetablegarden，thehens，whatI’mgoingtodotomorrow。""Doyoudreamofhavingahusband？"
　　"No，exceptIsupposeI’llhavetohaveoneifIwanttogrowbabies。Itisn’tniceforababytohavenofather。"
　　Inspiteofhispainhesmiled；shewassuchaquaintmixtureofignoranceandmorality。Thenheswungsideways，tookherchininhishandandstareddownather。Howtodoit，whathadtobedone？"Meggie，IrealizedsomethingnotlongagowhichIoughttohaveseensooner。Youweren’tbeingquitetruthfulwhenyoutoldmewhatyouthoughtabout，wereyou？"
　　"I……"shesaid，andfellsilent。
　　"Youdidn’tsayyouthoughtaboutme，didyou？Iftherewasnoguiltinit，youwouldhavementionedmynamealongsideyourfather’s。Ithinkperhapsit’sagoodthingI’mgoingaway，don’tyou？You’realittleoldtobehavingschoolgirlcrushes，butyou’renotaveryoldalmost-seventeen，areyou？Ilikeyourlackofworldlywisdom，butIknowhowpainfulschoolgirlcrushescanbe；I’vesufferedenoughofthem。"
　　Sheseemedabouttospeak，butintheendherlidsfellovertear-brighteyes，sheshookherheadfree。
　　"Look，Meggie，it’ssimplyaphase，amarkerontheroadtobeingawoman。Whenyou’vebecomethatwoman，you’llmeetthemandestinedtobeyourhusbandandyou’llbefartoobusygettingonwithyourlifetothinkofme，exceptasanoldfriendwhohelpedyouthroughsomeoftheterriblespasmsofgrowingup。Whatyoumustn’tdoisgetintothehabitofdreamingaboutmeinanysortofromanticfashion。Icanneverregardyouthewayahusbandwill。Idon’tthinkofyouinthatlightatall，Meggie，——doyouunderstandme？WhenIsayIloveyou，Idon’tmeanIloveyouasaman。Iamapriest，notaman。Sodon’tfillyourheadwithdreamsofme。I’mgoingaway，andIdoubtverymuchthatI’llhavetimetocomeback，evenonavisit。"
　　Hershoulderswerebentasiftheloadwasveryheavy，butsheliftedherheadtolookdirectlyintohisface。
　　"Iwon’tfillmyheadwithdreamsofyou，don’tworry。Iknowyou’reapriest。"
　　"I’mnotconvincedIchosemyvocationwrongly。Itfillsaneedinmenohumanbeingevercould，evenyou。"
　　"Iknow。IcanseeitwhenyousayMass。Youhaveapower。IsupposeyoumustfeellikeOurLord。"
　　"Icanfeeleverysuspendedbreathinthechurch，Meggie！AseachdaygoesonIdie，andineachmorningsayingMassIamreborn。ButisitbecauseI’m
　　God’schosenpriest，orbecauseIhearthoseawedbreaths，knowthepowerIhaveovereverysoulpresent？"
　　"Doesitmatter？Itjustis。"
　　"Itwouldprobablynevermattertoyou，butitdoestome。Idoubt，Idoubt。"
　　Sheswitchedthesubjecttowhatmatteredtoher。"Idon’tknowhowIshallgetonwithoutyou，Father。FirstFrank，nowyou。SomehowwithHalit’sdifferent；Iknowhe’sdeadandcannevercomeback。ButyouandFrankarealive！I’llalwaysbewonderinghowyouare，whatyou’redoing，ifyou’reallright，ifthere’sanythingIcoulddotohelpyou。I’llevenhavetowonderifyou’restillalive，won’tI？"
　　"I’llbefeelingthesame，Meggie，andI’msurethatFrankdoes，too。""No。Frank’sforgottenus……Youwill，too。"
　　"Icouldneverforgetyou，Meggie，notaslongasIlive。AndformypunishmentI’mgoingtolivealong，longtime。"Hegotupandpulledhertoherfeet，puthisarmsaboutherlooselyandaffectionately。"Ithinkthisisgoodbye，Meggie。Wecan’tbealoneagain。"
　　"Ifyouhadn’tbeenapriest，Father，wouldyouhavemarriedme？"Thetitlejarred。"Don’tcallmethatallthetime！MynameisRalph。"Whichdidn’tanswerherquestion。
　　Thoughheheldher，hedidnothaveanyintentionofkissingher。Thefaceraisedtohiswasnearlyinvisible，forthemoonhadsetanditwasverydark。Hecouldfeelhersmall，pointedbreastslowdownonhischest；acurioussensation，disturbing。Evenmoresowasthefactthatasnaturallyasifshecameintoaman’sarmseverydayofherlife，herarmshadgoneuparoundhisneck，andlinkedtightly。
　　Hehadneverkissedanyoneasalover，didnotwanttonow；nor，hethought，didMeggie。Awarmsaluteonthecheek，aquickhug，asshewoulddemandofherfatherwerehetogoaway。Shewassensitiveandproud；hemusthavehurtherdeeplywhenheheldupherpreciousdreamstodispassionateinspection。Undoubtedlyshewasaseagertobedonewiththefarewellashewas。Woulditcomforthertoknowhispainwasfarworsethanhers？Ashebenthisheadtocomeathercheeksheraisedherselfontiptoe，andmorebyluckthangoodmanagementtouchedhislipswithherown。Hejerkedbackasifhetastedthespider’spoison，thenhetippedhisheadforwardbeforehecouldloseher，triedtosaysomethingagainstthesweetshutmouth，andintryingtoanswershepartedit。Herbodyseemedtoloseallitsbones，becomefluid，awarmmeltingdarkness；oneofhisarmswasclampedroundherwaist，theotheracrossherbackwithitshandonherskull，inherhair，holdingherfaceuptohisasiffrightenedshewouldgofromhiminthatverymoment，beforehecouldgraspandcataloguethisunbelievablepresencewhowasMeggie。Meggie，andnotMeggie，tooalientobefamiliar，forhisMeggiewasn’tawoman，didn’tfeellikeawoman，couldneverbeawomantohim。Justashecouldn’tbeamantoher。Thethoughtovercamehisdrowningsenses；hewrenchedherarmsfromabouthisneck，thrustherawayandtriedtoseeherfaceinthedarkness。Butherheadwasdown，shewouldn’tlookathim。
　　"It’stimeweweregoing，Meggie，"hesaid。
　　Withoutawordsheturnedtoherhorse，mountedandwaitedforhim；usuallyitwashewhowaitedforher。
　　FatherRalphhadbeenright。AtthistimeofyearDroghedawasawashwithroses，sothehousewassmotheredinthem。Byeightthatmorninghardlyonebloomwasleftinthegarden。Thefirstofthemournersbegantoarrivenotlongafterthefinalrosewasplunderedfromitsbush；alightbreakfastofcoffeeandfreshlybaked，butteredrollswaslaidoutinthesmalldiningroom。AfterMaryCarsonwasdepositedinthevaultamoresubstantialrepastwouldbeservedinthebigdiningroom，tofortifythedepartingmournersontheirlongwayshome。Thewordhadgotaround；noneedtodoubttheefficiencyoftheGillygrapevine，whichwasthepartyline。Whilelipsshapedconventionalphrases，eyesandthemindsbehindthemspeculated，deduced，smiledslyly。
　　"Ihearwe’regoingtoloseyou，Father，"saidMissCarmichaelnastily。Hehadneverlookedsoremote，sodevoidofhumanfeelingashedidthatmorninginhislacelessalbanddullblackchasublewithsilvercross。Itwasasifheattendedonlyinbody，whilehisspiritmovedfaraway。ButhelookeddownatMissCarmichaelabsently，seemedtorecollecthimself，andsmiledwithgenuinemirth。
　　"Godmovesinstrangeways，MissCarmichael，"hesaid，andwenttospeaktosomeoneelse。
　　Whatwasonhismindnoonecouldhaveguessed；itwasthecomingconfrontationwithPaddyoverthewill，andhisdreadofseeingPaddy’srage，hisneedofPaddy’srageandcontempt。
　　BeforehebegantheRequiemMassheturnedtofacehiscongregation；theroomwasjammed，andreekedsoofrosesthatopenwindowscouldnotdissipatetheirheavyperfume。
　　"Idonotintendtomakealongeulogy，"hesaidinhisclear，almostOxforddictionwithitsfaintIrishunderlay。"MaryCarsonwasknowntoyouall。Apillarofthecommunity，apillaroftheChurchshelovedmorethananylivingbeing。"
　　Atthatpointtherewerethosewhosworehiseyesmocked，butotherswhomaintainedjustasstoutlythattheyweredulledwitharealandabidinggrief。
　　"ApillaroftheChurchshelovedmorethananylivingbeing，"herepeatedmoreclearlystill；hewasnotonetoturnaway，either。"Inherlasthourshewasalone，yetshewasnotalone。ForinthehourofourdeathOurLordJesusChristiswithus，withinus，bearingtheburdenofouragony。Notthegreatestnorthehumblestlivingbeingdiesalone，anddeathissweet。Wearegatheredheretoprayforherimmortalsoul，thatshewhomwelovedinlifeshallenjoyherjustandeternalreward。Letuspray。"Themakeshiftcoffinwassocoveredinrosesitcouldnotbeseen，anditresteduponasmallwheeledcarttheboyshadcannibalizedfromvariouspiecesoffarmequipment。Evenso，withthewindowsgapingopenandtheoverpoweringscentofroses，theycouldsmellher。Thedoctorhadbeentalking，too。
　　"WhenIreachedDroghedashewassorottenthatIjustcouldn’tholdmystomach，"hesaidonthepartylinetoMartinKing。"I’veneverfeltsosorryforanyoneinallmylifeasIdidthenforPaddyCleary，notonlybecausehe’sbeendoneoutofDroghedabutbecausehehadtoshovethatawfulseethingheapinacoffin。"
　　"ThenI’mnotvolunteeringfortheofficeofpallbearer，"Martinsaid，sofaintlybecauseofallthereceiversdownthatthedoctorhadtomakehimrepeatthestatementthreetimesbeforeheunderstoodit。Hencethecart；noonewaswillingtoshouldertheremainsofMaryCarsonacrossthelawntothevault。Andnoonewassorrywhenthevaultdoorswereclosedonherandbreathingcouldbecomenormalatlast。Whilethemournersclusteredinthebigdiningroomeating，ortryingtolookasiftheywereeating，HarryGoughconductedPaddy，hisfamily，FatherRalph，Mrs。Smithandthetwomaidstothedrawingroom。Noneofthemournershadanyintentionofgoinghomeyet，hencethepretenseateating；theywantedtobeonhandtoseewhatPaddylookedlikewhenhecameoutafterthereadingofthewill。Todohimandhisfamilyjustice，theyhadn’tcomportedthemselvesduringthefuneralasifconsciousoftheirelevatedstatus。Asgoodheartedasever，Paddyhadweptforhissister，andFeelookedexactlyasshealwaysdid，asifshedidn’tcarewhathappenedtoher。
　　"Paddy，Iwantyoutocontest，"HarryGoughsaidafterhehadreadtheamazingdocumentthroughinahard，indignantvoice。"Thewickedoldbitch！"saidMrs。Smith；thoughshelikedthepriest，shewasfonderbyfaroftheClearys。Theyhadbroughtbabiesandchildrenintoherlife。
　　ButPaddyshookhishead。"No，Harry！Icouldn’tdothat。Thepropertywashers，wasn’tit？Shewasquiteentitledtodowhatshelikedwithit。IfshewantedtheChurchtohaveit，shewantedtheChurchtohaveit。Idon’tdenyit’sabitofadisappointment，butI’mjustanordinarysortofchap，soperhapsit’sforthebest。Idon’tthinkI’dliketheresponsibilityofowningapropertythesizeofDrogheda。"
　　"Youdon’tunderstand，Paddy！"thelawyersaidinaslow，distinctvoice，asifhewereexplainingtoachild。"Itisn’tjustDroghedaI’mtalkingabout。Droghedawastheleastpartofwhatyoursisterhadtoleave，believeme。She’samajorshareholderinahundredgilt-edgedcompanies，sheownssteelfactoriesandgoldmines，she’sMicharLimited，withaten-storyofficebuildingalltoherselfinSydney。ShewasworthmorethananyoneinthewholeofAustralia！Funny，shemademecontacttheSydneydirectorsofMicharLimitednotfourweeksago，tofindouttheexactextentofherassets。Whenshediedshewasworthsomethingoverthirteenmillionpounds。""Thirteenmillionpounds！"Paddysaiditasonesaysthedistancefromtheearthtothesun，somethingtotallyincomprehensible。"Thatsettlesit，Harry。Idon’twanttheresponsibilityofthatkindofmoney。""It’snoresponsibility，Paddy！Don’tyouunderstandyet？Moneylikethatlooksafteritself！You’dhavenothingtodowithcultivatingorharvestingit；therearehundredsofpeopleemployedsimplytotakecareofitforyou。Contestthewill，Paddy，please！I’llgetyouthebestKC’SinthecountryandI’llfightitforyouallthewaytothePrivyCouncilifnecessary。"
　　Suddenlyrealizingthathisfamilywereasconcernedashimself，PaddyturnedtoBobandJack，sittingtogetherbewilderedonaFlorentinemarblebench。"Boys，whatdoyousay？DoyouwanttogoafterAuntieMary’sthirteenmillionquid？IfyoudoI’llcontest，nototherwise。"
　　"ButwecanliveonDroghedaanyway，isn’tthatwhatthewillsays？"Bobasked。
　　Harryanswered。"NoonecanturnyouoffDroghedasolongasevenoneofyourfather’sgrandchildrenlives。"
　　"We’regoingtolivehereinthebighouse，haveMrs。Smithandthegirlstolookafterus，andearnadecentwage，"saidPaddyasifhecouldhardlybelievehisgoodfortuneratherthanhisbad。
　　"Thenwhatmoredowewant，Jack？"Bobaskedhisbrother。"Don’tyouagree？"
　　"Itsuitsme，"saidJack。
　　FatherRalphmovedrestlessly。HehadnotstoppedtoshedhisRequiemvestments，norhadhetakenachair；likeadarkandbeautifulsorcererhestoodhalfintheshadowsatthebackoftheroom，isolated，hishandshiddenbeneaththeblackchasuble，hisfacestill，andatthebackofthedistantblueeyesahorrified，stunnedresentment。Therewasnotevengoingtobethelonged-forchastisementofrageorcontempt；Paddywasgoingtohanditalltohimonagoldenplateofgoodwill，andthankhimforrelievingtheClearysofaburden。
　　"WhataboutFeeandMeggie？"thepriestaskedPaddyharshly。"Doyounotthinkenoughofyourwomentoconsultthem，too？""Fee？"askedPaddyanxiously。
　　"Whateveryoudecide，Paddy。Idon’tcare。"
　　"Meggie？"
　　"Idon’twantherthirteenmillionpiecesofsilver，"Meggiesaid，hereyesfixedonFatherRalph。
　　Paddyturnedtothelawyer。"Thenthat’sit，Harry。Wedon’twanttocontestthewill。LettheChurchhaveMary’smoney，andwelcome。"Harrystruckhishandstogether。"Goddamnit，Ihatetoseeyoucheated！""IthankmystarsforMary，"saidPaddygently。"Ifitwasn’tforherI’dstillbetryingtoscrapealivinginNewZealand。"
　　AstheycameoutofthedrawingroomPaddystoppedFatherRalphandheldouthishand，infullviewofthefascinatedmournersclusteringinthediningroomdoorway。
　　"Father，pleasedon’tthinkthereareanyhardfeelingsonourside。Marywasneverswayedbyanotherhumanbeinginallherlife，priestorbrotherorhusband。Youtakeitfromme，shedidwhatshewantedtodo。Youweremightygoodtoher，andyou’vebeenmightygoodtous。We’llneverforgetit。"Theguilt。Theburden。AlmostFatherRalphdidnotmovetotakethatgnarledstainedhand，butthecardinal’sbrainwon；hegrippeditfeverishlyandsmiled，agonized。
　　"Thankyou，Paddy。YoumayrestassuredI’llseeyouneverwantforathing。"
　　Withintheweekhewasgone，nothavingappearedonDroghedaagain。Hespentthefewdayspackinghisscantbelongings，andtouringeverystationinthedistrictwheretherewereCatholicfamilies；saveDrogheda。FatherWatkinThomas，lateofWales，arrivedtoassumethedutiesofparishpriesttotheGillanbonedistrict，whileFatherRalphdeBricassartbecameprivatesecretarytoArchbishopClunyDark。Buthisworkloadwaslight；hehadtwoundersecretaries。ForthemostparthewasoccupiedindiscoveringjustwhatandhowmuchMaryCarsonhadowned，andingatheringthereinsofgovernmenttogetheronbehalfoftheChurch。