"Then, in the name of goodness, who do ye expect is going to make a home for ye? Have ye sisters and brothers?"
"Yes." Alex hesitated, seeing at last whither his inquiries were tending.
"Yes, and I'm thinking they're married and with homes of their own by this time," said the priest shrewdly. "Let me tell ye, ten years sees a good many changes in the world, and it isn't much of a welcome ye'd get by breaking your holy vows and making a great scandal in the Church, and then planting yourself on relations who've lost touch with ye, more or less, and have homes of their own, and a husband or wife, as the case may be, and perhaps little children to care for. A maiden aunt isn't so very much thought of, in the best of circumstances, let me tell ye.
"Now isn't there reason in what I'm saying, Sister?"
Sick conviction shot through her.
"Yes, Father."
"Well, then, ye'll just give up that foolish notion, now."
He looked at her white, desperate face, and began to take long strides up and down the room.
"Have ye confidence in your Superior? Do ye get on with her?" he asked suddenly.
"Our present Superior has only been here a little while—the one before that—"