Christian stared at her.
'When you were there? But—you met Peak?'
His sister smiled, turning from the astonished gaze.
'Yes, I met him.'
'But, why the deuce——? Why didn't you tell me, Marcella?'
'He asked me not to speak of it. He didn't wish you to know that—that he has decided to become a clergyman.'
Christian was stricken dumb. In spite of his sister's obvious agitation, he could not believe what she told him; her smile gave him an excuse for supposing that she jested.
'Peak a clergyman?' He burst out laughing. 'What's the meaning of all this?—Do speak intelligibly! What's the fellow up to?'
'I am quite serious. He is studying for Orders—has been for this last year.'
In desperation, Christian turned to another phase of the subject.