The children scattered in all directions, saving for a group around Tim O'Neill. To these he related an amended version of the late conversation.
"'D'you know what sacrilege is?' says she.
"'Sacrilege!' says I, scratching my head. 'Will it be telling lies?'
"'It may be, and it may not be,' says she.
"'Then I think it is sacrilege you're after, yourself. To be telling lies with a brother a priest is sacrilege, sure enough.'
"With that she wiped her eyes with the back of one hand. I think it's shamed she is." A burst of laughter rewarded the young sinner, and he darted off for home to gobble down a cold dinner.
"Is Michael O'Connor worse?" asked Molly, anxiously.
"He is dying," replied the doctor.
"What will Kathleen and Desmond do?"
"Desmond can battle for himself, but Kathleen's future needs consideration."