"I did not mean that, Peter; but if she won't have me, you had better try if you can get her."
And suddenly Peter felt a resolve come into his heart, and his manner grew exultant.
"I've seen Father Tom, and he said I can pass the examination. I'm going to be a priest."
And when they were lying down side by side Peter said, "James, it will be all right." Knowing there was a great heart-sickness on his brother, he put out his hand. "As sure as I lie here she will be lying next you before this day twelvemonths. Yes, James, in this very bed, lying here where I am lying now."
"I don't believe it, Peter."
Peter loved his brother, and to bring the marriage about he took some money from his father and went to live at Father Tom's, and he worked so hard during the next two months that he passed the Bishop's examination. And it was late one night when he went to bid them good-bye at home.
"What makes you so late, Peter?"
"Well, James, I didn't want to meet Catherine on the road."
"You are a good boy, Peter," said the father, "and God will reward you for the love you bear your brother. I don't think there are two better men in the world. God has been good to me to give me two such sons."
And then the three sat round the fire, and Pat Phelan began to talk family history.