“Yes, I suppose so, but I was always afraid of him.”
Father Burke laid his hand on her arm and said, very gently but with unusual seriousness:
“I should regret exceedingly, my child, to have you listen to the flippant sacrilege of this 54young man, or be subjected to his influence in any way.”
“There is no cause for alarm. I shall have as little to do with him as possible.”
“An excellent resolve. And now, will you grant me a request?”
“Certainly.”
“I have no right to exact a promise. I only suggest that while on this boat you avoid, as far as possible, his companionship.”
“I promise.”
They both arose. His voice and manner were always impressive, even in ordinary conversation. But now a moisture gathered in the maiden’s eyes as he gazed benignly into her face, and murmured in tones tremulous with feeling:
“May Heaven bless you, my daughter, for your noble spirit, and for your unswerving devotion to a holy cause.”