Miss Lester laughed, but Mrs. Pellypop was so disgusted by the giddy way in which the young man spoke, that she hastily left the church, having first reflected however, that there was nothing more to be seen.
"That young man would joke at his father's funeral," she said to Kate when they were once more in the hot sunshine.
"Well there's nothing like making the best of things," retorted Pat, who was just behind and overheard the remark.
"But really the church was grand," cried Ronald quickly in order to prevent a storm.
"Lots of show and very little religion I fancy," said the irrepressible Pat.
"I don't agree with you Mr. Ryan," observed Mrs. Pellypop, severely; "the solemn grandeur of that church would have an effect even on the most frivolous mind," with a significant glance at the Irishman.
"I daresay the effect wouldn't endure long," said Ronald, lightly. "Religion, which appeals purely to the senses, is never so strong as that which comes straight to the mind."
"Of course not," replied Pat who knew nothing about what he was talking, and only spoke to irritate the old lady, "I'd back Presbyterianism against Catholicism any day for fanaticism: it's a fight between Calvin and Peter--two to one on the winner."
Mrs. Pellypop made no reply, being struck with horror at the light way in which the young man treated religion, and walked hastily away with Miss Lester so as to close the discussion.
"Hang it Pat!" said Ronald, as they walked slowly behind, "why can't you leave the old girl alone?"