"It would be better, James, that Peter got her than that she should stay in a convent."
"I wouldn't say that," said James.
"You see," said his father, "she did not go into the convent because she had a calling, but because she was crossed in love."
And after another long while James said, "It is a bitter dose, I am thinking, father, but you must go and tell her that Peter has left Maynooth."
"And what would the Reverend Mother be saying to me if I went to her with such a story as that? Isn't your heart broken enough already, James, without wanting me to be breaking it still more? Sure, James, you could never see her married to Peter?"
"If she were to marry Peter I should be able to go to America, and that is the only thing for me."
"That would be poor consolation for you, James."
"Well, it is the best I shall get, to see Peter settled, and to know that there will be some one to look after you, father."
"You are a good son, James."
They talked on, and as they talked it became clearer to them that some one must go to-morrow to the convent and tell Catherine that Peter had left Maynooth.