"And the people? How did they take it?"
"They were very quiet and attentive, indeed: apparently an intelligent congregation."
"You don't think you were talking over their heads?"
"No, indeed. Even the poor women who were gathered under the pulpit stared at me unmercifully; and I think a few persons in front were much affected."
I waited for a few minutes to draw my deductions. But they were logical enough.
"My dear boy," I said at length, "from a long and profound experience of that wilful thing called human nature, allow me to tell you that every indication you have mentioned points to the fact that you have preached not only an edifying and useful, but a remarkable sermon—"
"Oh, that's only your usual goodness, Father Dan," he broke in. "I'm quite certain it was a failure. Look at the attitude of the priests!"
"That is just my strongest foundation," I replied. "If their enthusiasm had taken the other shapes I suggested, I should have despaired."
"Well, 't is over, for better, for worse," said he; "I did my best for our Lady, and she won't blame me if I failed."
"That is sound Christian philosophy," I replied; "leave it there. But don't be too flushed if my predictions come true."