Peter looked at his mother as the priest asked this question, and it seemed to him that for some reason she seemed troubled and sad.
'Ah, my father, he has remained at home to keep house. We live, as you know, in a lonely place.'
The priest smiled and shook his head.
'Exactly,' he said, 'I understand. Politics have a word to say in the matter, though, haven't they?'
But Susan Lepage did not smile in return.
'Alas, my father!' she said.
Peter stared at both speakers wonderingly. He did not understand what they meant. But then it must be admitted there are a good many things we do not quite understand at five years old.
'Do not vex yourself,' answered the priest kindly. 'It is written that the faithful wife may save her husband. All times are in the hands of God. That which He has ordained cannot fail to be accomplished.'
Then he laid his hand gently on little Peter's round, black head, saying:—