"I can't say that. When one did turn out for early Mass one found the churches—there were three of 'em—packed full."
"Ah! ... Where are you staying?" she asked him in a changed tone.
He faltered, sick at heart at having to lie to her.
XI
"I—I haven't got the address on me just now! By George, that's just ... Ha, ha, ha!"
"What is the joke? Do tell me!" she urged, puzzled by the mirthless bark of laughter.
He could not have explained. His Irish sense of humor had been tickled to realize that in actual fact he did carry his address about him. Did not the shabby old frieze greatcoat constitute his hotel, chambers and club? To change the subject he began to question her experiences in the Novitiate. She looked happy, he admitted. He did not hide that her decision to take the Veil had been a surprise.
"You see, you'd always been such a jolly girl," he told her. "Such a stunning companion—I'd never have expected it of you."
Her bright laugh rang through the room.